COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) – A bill has been introduced in the Ohio Senate that would outlaw declawing cats in the state.
One Republican and two Democratic senators introduced Senate Bill 252, which would prohibit any procedure that alters the normal function of a cat’s toes, paws or claws unless it is medically necessary.
If someone has the procedure performed, it could result in fines between $1,000 and $2,500.
Five other states and Washington, D.C., have banned cat declawing. The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages the procedure and recommends alternatives such as scratching posts.
The bill is awaiting a committee assignment to move forward.
