27/07/2025
Great, another state banned declawing! GEE what will veterinarians be doing to make their gravy money next? Be vigilant, don't let your pet out of your sight if you need to take them.
DECLAWING IS NOW BANNED IN RHODE ISLAND! 🎉🙌
This legislation is long overdue, and a HUGE step forward in feline welfare! For many years now, we have forbade any of the cats in our care to be declawed in their adoptive homes, unless deemed medically necessary. We've always said it's nearly impossible to find a reputable veterinarian who would do it, and it's such a relief that there is now a law in place to keep cats safe! Declawing is such an cruel procedure, it involves the surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe. Think about what it would be like if all of your fingers were cut off at the knuckle. That would be incredibly painful, right? You would have to relearn everything you've ever known having fingers, and you'd probably hate the world after that. Declawed cats often have lifelong complications of chronic pain, behavioral issues like biting, depression, and litter box issues. Claws are essential to their lives, and they feel very vulnerable without them.
The new law, which goes into effect on September 1, was sponsored by Sen. Melissa A. Murray (D–Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Rep. William W. O'Brien (D–Dist. 54, North Providence). We are so grateful for this new chapter in animal welfare, and we're sure cats all over Rhode Island are rejoicing over getting to keep their claws 🐾
Read a little more about declawing and healthy alternatives for scratching at this article written by RISPCA's very own Feline Behavior Specialist: https://cranstononline.com/stories/cat-corner-declawing-out,299188
