NORFOLK, Va. — Declawing your cat in the state of Virginia will soon be illegal. Pet owners and veterinarians who violate this new law could face some hefty fines.
In April, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a bill that would prohibit any procedure that removes a cat's paw, limb, tendon, or digit of a cat that is for "cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in the keeping or handling of a cat."
Animal rights activists have called the practice inhumane for years and celebrated the decision.
"It's like cutting off the digit of your finger," said Tammy Linquist, spokesperson for Norfolk's SPCA. "How would you like that if it happened to you?"
Linquist said the surgery often causes physical pain for cats, and can even affect cats' personality and quality of life. Veterinarians said declawed cats are more likely to develop arthritis and nerve damage, and are more likely to bite and exhibit other forms of aggression.
"It's taking away that first line of defense, now they only have their teeth," Linquist said. "For a cat that gets out of the house, it can be a worst-case situation."
Violators could face up to a $500 fine for the first incident, and the price climbs for every future incident.
The law does not impact any forms of nail trimming, and declawing can still be done if a veterinarian deems it medically necessary.
The law goes into effect on July 1.