VA RESIDENTS: SUPPORT A STATEWIDE DECLAW BAN
Update (Feb 6, 2023): Unfortunately, the bill failed by a vote of 6-4. Continue to contact your representatives about the importance of a state ban on declawing! The issue should not be ignored.
Write your representatives and ask them to support bill HB 1382, which would outlaw declawing of cats in Virginia! This bill would ban declawing unless done for health reasons. Violators would be fined between $500 - $2,500. The bill will be presented at the Virginia General Assembly in January 2023.
**Use this sample letter to tell your representatives to support HB 1382. Include a personal note to increase your impact:
Subject: Prohibit Declawing, Please Support HB 1382
Dear [Representative],
As a compassionate and concerned citizen, I urge you to pass HB 1382, which would ban the painful procedure of declawing cats in the state of Virginia. The declaw procedure is actually the amputation of the last joints of a cat’s toes; it creates lifelong damage that cannot be reversed.
A cat’s claws are essential; they’re used as a means of protection and defense and the grip that they provide allows cats to stretch and strengthen muscles. Cats use their paws in many ways, from grooming to leaving their scent, and any pain from declawing can disrupt the expression of these natural behaviors.
Declawing does not address unwanted scratching and in fact can cause additional behavioral problems due to chronic pain and trauma. A cat who experiences paw pain may exhibit litter box avoidance, and cats who lack claws may use their teeth more in nervous situations. While some may argue that declawing can help a particular cat remain in a home, research has shown that many, if not most, cats who are relinquished to shelters for behavioral reasons are declawed. Thankfully, there are numerous alternatives to declawing; scratching posts, nail caps and trims, spray deterrents and positive behavior modification are all ways to minimize problem scratching.
The state of Virginia should join New York, Maryland, the numerous countries around the world and almost every Canadian province, which have already banned this unnecessary and ineffective procedure.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your address]
[Your city, state, zip]
[Your email address]
Dear [Representative],
As a compassionate and concerned citizen, I urge you to pass HB 1382, which would ban the painful procedure of declawing cats in the state of Virginia. The declaw procedure is actually the amputation of the last joints of a cat’s toes; it creates lifelong damage that cannot be reversed.
A cat’s claws are essential; they’re used as a means of protection and defense and the grip that they provide allows cats to stretch and strengthen muscles. Cats use their paws in many ways, from grooming to leaving their scent, and any pain from declawing can disrupt the expression of these natural behaviors.
Declawing does not address unwanted scratching and in fact can cause additional behavioral problems due to chronic pain and trauma. A cat who experiences paw pain may exhibit litter box avoidance, and cats who lack claws may use their teeth more in nervous situations. While some may argue that declawing can help a particular cat remain in a home, research has shown that many, if not most, cats who are relinquished to shelters for behavioral reasons are declawed. Thankfully, there are numerous alternatives to declawing; scratching posts, nail caps and trims, spray deterrents and positive behavior modification are all ways to minimize problem scratching.
The state of Virginia should join New York, Maryland, the numerous countries around the world and almost every Canadian province, which have already banned this unnecessary and ineffective procedure.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your address]
[Your city, state, zip]
[Your email address]