AZ RESIDENTS: SUPPORT A STATEWIDE DECLAW BAN
Write your representatives and ask them to support bill HB2224, which would outlaw declawing of cats in Arizona! The bill would ban owners from declawing their cats, and would punish veterinarians who perform the procedure (except in cases in which declawing is medically beneficial to the cat) would be liable for fines of up to $1,500 or suspension of their licenses.
**Use this sample letter to tell your representatives to support HB2224. Include a personal note to increase your impact:
Subject: Prohibit Declawing, Please Support HB2224
Dear [Representative],
As a compassionate and concerned citizen, I urge you to pass HB2224, which would ban the painful procedure of declawing cats in the state of Arizona. 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 Arizona 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]