SF Board of Supervisors says YES to the declaw ban!

The vote tally was 8 in support of the ban and the same 2 board members against the ban. Board Member Campos was absent.

Mayor Newsome has 10 days to sign or veto.

Email, phone or fax the Mayor at:
Mayor Gavin Newsom
City Hall, Room 200
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
SF, 94102
415-554-6141
fax: 415-554-6160
gavin.newsom@sfgov.org

A majority of the SF Supervisors voted in favor of the proposed ban on cat declawing. One more vote to go!

Click here for the SF Gate Article.

Upholding the right to scratch

A majority of San Francisco supervisors Tuesday approved a proposed ban on declawing cats, calling the procedure a barbaric practice that opens the city’s feline residents to stress, chronic pain and behavioral problems.

”It is well documented and well understood from a medical perspective that it is torture, it is a form of animal cruelty,” said Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, chief sponsor of the legislation.

The law would prohibit both the removal of cats’ claws or subjecting them to a tendonectomy, a procedure that involves removing a piece of tendon to prevent cats from extending their claws unless deemed medically necessary.

The legislation was approved 9-2 on first reading, with Supervisors Michela Alioto-Pier and Sean Elsbernd opposed. A final vote will be taken next week.

Under state law, local governments have until Jan. 1 to enact such laws or else lose the opportunity. West Hollywood, Malibu and Santa Monica already have approved the bans. Los Angeles is poised to consider a ban next week.