declawing of cats

ngayon ko lang to nalaman..it would hurt the cat and the dog more than we could know..

What is the policy or recommendation when it comes to de-clawing of cats?
The practice has been outlawed in some countries but I've recently heard a
vet suggest it as if it was this great solution.



A bit wigged out,

Trish


REPLY FROM PAWS:

PAWS is against the declawing of cats, debarking of dogs because these are
procedures that are being done for the sole benefit of the human (pet owner)
only.

Having an animal undergo declawing or debarking causes him pain, discomfort and
restricts an animal from freely expressing his natural or normal behavior, thus,
violating three(3) out of Five Freedoms of animals (used as guidelines to gauge
animal cruelty.

Unfortunately, debarking and declawing are not yet specified among the acts
prohibited by the IRRs (Implementing Rules and Regulations) under the Animal
Welfare Act.

Please inform owners about the cruelty of declawing by referring them to this
site:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cat_care/declawing_cats_more_than_just_a_manic\
ure/

"Not a Simple Surgery

Too often people believe that declawing is a simple surgery that removes a cat's
nails, the equivalent of a person having her fingernails trimmed. Sadly, this is
far from the truth. Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last
bone of each toe and, if performed on a human being, it would be comparable to
cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.

Declawing can leave cats with a painful healing process, long-term health
issues, and numerous behavior problems. This is especially unfortunate because
declawing is an owner-elected procedure and unnecessary for the vast majority of
cats."

Please help us campaign against these cruel procedures by talking to friends,
relatives or even complete strangers who plan to declaw or debark their pets.

Thank you.

-The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)