The Winnipeg Humane Society is taking a stand on cat declawing.
The Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) has proposed an amendment to its bylaws to ban the controversial practice from being performed by Manitoba vets.
It’s a proposal the humane society says it’s proud to support.
“Declawing a cat is a cruel practice and a declawed cat will experience pain and suffering for the rest of its life,” said humane society CEO Javier Schwersensky.
“The procedure is akin to cutting off each of our fingers at the last knuckle. The WHS applauds the progressive actions of the MVMA to try to put a stop to this abhorrent practice.”
The practice of declawing – which is also opposed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association – is an invasive surgical procedure that removes the claw and bone digit on a cat’s front feet (or all four feet).
It’s currently banned in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick.
The humane society said other options – such as behaviour training and artificial nail covers – can be used to prevent problem scratching in cats rather than going the extreme route of declawing.
“Prohibiting declawing procedures ensures that Manitoba takes yet another step forward in becoming a progressive leader in animal welfare.”
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