MORE: LAST CALL: SF DeClaw Ban Needs More Calls/Emails to SF Board of Supervisors

[Guest guest]

follow up to my last email:

 

here is some info on declawing and the ban, and proposed language for a letter, but again, it does NOT have to be a long letter/email -- the important thing is that they get lots of emails in support of the declaw ban. and if you can't email or write, just call their offices. Thanks, all.

 

Nadine

 

Dear Supervisor,

 

As an animal lover and resident of San Francisco, I am writing this letter to urge you to support a ban on the declawing of cats in San Francisco. I feel very strongly that this unnecessary and inhumane practice should not be allowed in San Francisco or anywhere else for that matter.

 

It is a little known fact that declawed cats are often surrendered to Animal Care and Control due to behavioral problems. This is a testament to the fact that declawing does not make cats more desirable pets.

 

Declawing is literally amputation of the first knuckle of the paw. It is mutilation that is painful and brutal and often times comes with many negative consequences. A common behavioral problem that results is refusal to use the litter box. After surgery when the knuckles are still very sore, the act of covering feces in the litter box is painful. This makes the cat associate the litter box with pain, resulting in litter box avoidance. Also, biting often becomes another behavioral issue because the cat has no other defense mechanism. It is these consequential behaviors that cause owners to surrender their cats to Animal Care and Control.

 

Declawing also causes other physical abnormalities. The tendons and ligaments in the paws are essential for stretching muscles. When they are removed or damaged, the entire skeletal system of the cat is affected. This can result in posture irregularities which can lead to other bone and musculoskeletal problems. Botched declawing procedures can also lead to lifelong painful conditions.

 

There are many alternatives to declawing. Scratching posts are probably the most well known solution. However, there are other very effective products on the market that provide humane alternatives to declawing. One of them is double-sided tape made specifically for deterring cats from clawing or touching any surface to which it is applied. This tape comes in various sizes and can be found at most pet stores. Another alternative is “Soft Paws” nail caps which are glued onto the nail and then reapplied monthly.

 

The United States lags behind many other countries in its policies on declawing. The following is a list of countries that find declawing either illegal or considered extremely inhumane and only performed under extreme circumstances:

 

England Scotland Wales Italy France Germany Bosnia Austria Switzerland Norway Sweden Netherlands Northern Ireland Ireland Denmark Finland Slovenia Portugal Belgium Brazil Australia New Zealand Yugoslavia Malta Israel

Please note that Bosnia, where racial cleansing occurs, is on this list.

 

As you are aware, opposition to the proposed ban is being driven largely by the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) due to the financial loss veterinarians would experience by no longer being able to offer this procedure. It is ironic that the very group of people who has been trained to be advocates for and care givers to animals is more concerned about their own financial well-being and not the animals’ well-being. In fact, they are disavowing their own mission statement which says they are committed “to improving animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.” Because declawing is mutilation by amputation, it is inhumane and is not ethical or socially responsible and definitely does not improve the health of the animal. I ask you to please keep this in mind when listening to CVMA arguments.

 

I believe with your support that San Francisco can join West Hollywood in leading our nation in recognizing that declawing is inhumane and should be banned. San Francisco is known for being a leader in progressive thinking and change. A declawing ban would be yet another item on the long list of accomplishments and advancements for which our great city is known.

 

I thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter.

 

Sincerely,