This photo, provided by Audubon Nature Institute, shows one of two rare African black-footed cats born Feb. 13, 2011 in New Orleans. (AP)
A state assemblywoman from Manhattan wants to ban the practice of declawing cats except when medically necessary, because animal-rights groups have declared the practice cruel and inhumane.
Linda Rosenthal, who has successfully passed other animal legislation, introduced a bill that would prohibit the performance of declawing procedures on cats and other pets.
“It’s really an amputation,” Rosenthal said. “It’s like if you amputated your finger or your toe at the last joint.”
Rosenthal said she is looking for a co-sponsor in the state Senate so the bill can pass both houses before going to the governor.
New York would be the first state to ban the practice.
Stay up-to-date on the biggest health and wellness news with our weekly recap.