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Thanks to the Animal Rescue League of Boston for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
BOSTON - Feline declawing will be against the law in Massachusetts effective April 8, 2025, following Governor Maura Healey's January 8th signing of An Act prohibiting inhumane feline declawing (Bill S.2552). The Act prohibits the procedure that usually involves removing the claws and the first bone of the toes from a cat's front feet.
Violators are subject to fines which increase up to $2,500 for a third and subsequent offense. Exceptions to the prohibition are medical necessities such as removing a cancerous tumor.
“The Governor’s signing into law a ban on feline declawing marks yet another achievement for animal protection this session, said Ally Blanck of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL). "Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems. Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent cats in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering. "
Declawing can cause serious, chronic pain which can translate into behavioral issues, notes ARL in a press release. Declawed cats are four times more likely to bite and seven times more likely to develop problem litter box habits, says ARL, which estimates that about 50 percent of declawed cats experience post-surgical complications.
Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy for the MSPCA-Angell, said, “Our animal hospitals–Angell Animal Medical Center, Angell West, and Angell at Essex–have not performed declawing surgery for decades because it is not in the interest of the animal, often involves painful complications, and can create lifelong behavior problems. We are grateful that this unnecessary amputation is one step closer to being prohibited in the state.”
Alternatives to declawing include using treats to encourage a cat to use scratching posts, applying double-sided sticky tape to furniture, using citrus or pheromone spray, and ensuring that cat's nails are trimmed.
The prohibition on unnecessary declawing is one of five animal protection laws enacted by Massachusetts legislators this session. Other bills signed into law in 2024 are:
- "Ollie's Law," which requires reasonable rules and regulations for dog daycares and boarding kennels;
- Prohibition on using elephants, big cats, primates, bears and giraffes in traveling shows;
- Prohibition on use of a dog's breed to be used as a factor in determining whether a family can adopt or foster children; also, human services agents are allowed to report suspected animal cruelty;
- A ban on the sale of animals under eight weeks and prevention of the roadside/outdoor sale of animals.
