Rhode Island Governor Signs Cat Declaw Ban into Law

Contact: Mike Heymsfield, media@aldf.org, 707-364-8387

PROVIDENCE, R.I — An Act Relating to Animals and Animal Husbandry — Cruelty to Animals (S.B.180A/H.B.5668A) became law. The law, which is supported by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), Humane World for Animals, and Paw Project, bans cat declawing in Rhode Island, except in the rare circumstance it is medically necessary to address a condition that compromises the cat’s health, such as cancer in the nail bed. Cat declawing is an invasive surgical operation that is akin to amputating a human finger at the last knuckle. Declawing can cause lifelong issues for cats, including nerve damage, chronic back pain, and lameness.

“Too many cats are forced to endure an unnecessary surgical procedure in an attempt to protect a piece of furniture when that serious surgery should be reserved only for the infrequent instance where it is medically necessary for the animal’s health,” said ALDF Senior Legislative Affairs Manager Stephanie Harris. “Thanks to the leadership and savvy of Senate sponsor Senator Melissa Murray and the support of House sponsor Representative William O’Brien, Senate President Senator Valarie Lawson, and Speaker of the House Representative Joseph Shekarchi, Rhode Island will join neighboring Massachusetts and other jurisdictions protecting cats from unnecessary declawing.”

“Declawing is painful, unnecessary and inhumane. It’s no way to treat any pet,” said Senator Melissa Murray (D-24). “Fortunately, there has been growing awareness of the risks and cruelty of declawing. Our state recognizes that unnecessary declawing is animal abuse.”

“I am grateful to Senator Murray for her years of strong leadership on this issue,” said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-14) “Protecting animals from unnecessary cruelty is important to all of us in Rhode Island. This new law will prevent unnecessary cat declawing, allowing the procedure only when it protects the health of the cat.”

“Declawing a cat actually amputates a bone – it would be like cutting off part of a person’s finger. In addition to being incredibly painful for cats, declawing can cause long-lasting health and behavioral issues,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-23). “It’s no way to treat a cherished pet, and I am very glad that Rhode Island has banned this cruel practice.”

Declawing can cause adverse behavioral effects in cats because it removes their ability to use their claws to scratch, stretch, and mark territory. Issues with litterbox use and inappropriate marking are common in declawed cats, and some declawed cats resort to biting to defend themselves because they no longer can with their claws. All of these behavioral issues can make it more likely for cats to be surrendered to shelters. There are many humane alternatives to control scratching behavior, including regular nail trims, scratching posts, and behavioral training.

In June 2024, the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund released poll results revealing 70 percent of veterinary professionals oppose cat declawing. The poll also found that half of the veterinarians interviewed reported that their practice does not perform any declawing procedures due to policy or no veterinarians willing to perform the procedure.

Before Rhode Island, Massachusetts passed similar legislation just last year and New York and Maryland have banned the procedure, as well as jurisdictions including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Madison, West Hollywood, Austin, Denver, Beverly Hills, Berkeley, and Washington, D.C. Virginia has banned the procedure with limited exemptions. ALDF is sponsoring similar legislation in California (A.B. 687), which has passed the Assembly and a key Senate committee as well as supporting legislation in New Jersey, where the bill (A.1180/S.1406) has also passed out of a critical Senate committee.”