Your support is critical now because the bill passed the NJ State Assembly and is now in the hands of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, which has not rescheduled it for a hearing.

What the bill does: S2410 would ban the procedures known as onychectomy, commonly referred to as declawing, and flexor tendonectomy, unless the procedure is determined to be medically necessary by a licensed veterinarian. These procedures have already been banned in several California cities and in over 20 countries.

If signed in to law, New Jersey would be the first state to ban this inhumane practice and would continue to be a leader in protecting animal welfare. The procedure, which may cause immense pain and discomfort, is usually done out of convenience and rarely performed due to a medical necessity. 

Declawing is an inhumane practice that does not just remove claws, but surgically amputates the last bone on each toe. Cats are usually declawed to stop scratching, but many people are unaware of the damaging effects, and safe alternatives like scratching posts or deterrents. Declawing causes pain, carries a risk of infection, and can be detrimental to a cat's well-being. Cats use their claws for balance and climbing, so declawed cats can have trouble walking. 

Cats also use their claws to protect themselves, so if declawed, they may become aggressive to compensate. Some declawed cats even reject their litter boxes. These issues could cause the cat to be abandoned or taken to a shelter. This is a death sentence for cats, as 70 percent of cats in shelters are killed.

New Jersey residents love their pets, and we want them protected from cruel and unnecessary medical practices. I want our state to lead the way by being the first in the nation to ban the inhumane practice of declawing. 

BILL STATUS: The Assembly bill, A-3899, passed the Assembly on January 30, 2017, with 42 votes in favor, 10 opposed, and 12 abstentions. Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), who sponsored the bill, said in a statement: "Declawing is a barbaric practice that more often than not is done for the sake of convenience rather than necessity. Many countries worldwide acknowledge the inhumane nature of declawing, which causes extreme pain to cats. It's time for New Jersey to join them." Nicole Feddersen, medical director for the Monmouth County SPCA, also described it as an "invasive surgery," that puts cats "at risk for pain and lameness."

The bill has been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee for further consideration. It was scheduled for a hearing but was pulled by Chairman Vitale and as of 5/18/17 has not yet been rescheduled for a hearing.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Read the bill for yourself and learn about its history.

2. Click on the [Yes] button on this page.

3. Call the Senators on the Economic Growth Committee to show your support (see list below). Tell the staff member who answers the phone that you want to express your opinion on an important bill. Say, "Please vote YES on the Anti-Declaw Bill S2410.'' Committee Members:

• Lesniak, Raymond J. - Chair 
• Cruz-Perez, Nilsa - Vice-Chair 
• Kyrillos, Joseph M. 
• Oroho, Steven V. 
• Whelan, Jim 

4. ALSO...If you wish to email them too, go to their profiles' links provided above, click on "email", search for this initiative and use the template we have provided.  You may customize the template to add personal experience and opinions if you wish. 

5. Contact your own Senator if they are not on this Committee and ask for their support of S2410.

6. Read more at The Paw Project to provide additional support.