New York Considers A Ban On Declawing Cats

05:06

May 27, 2016

Many cat owners declaw their pets in an effort to prevent damage to furniture and other household items, but animal rights groups like PETA call it a "painful and permanently crippling procedure." (roadsidepictures/Flickr)

For years, some pet owners have routinely had their cats declawed to keep them from scratching furniture or people. But the State of New York is considering a bill that would ban the procedure.

Opponents of declawing point out that it is not a simple cosmetic procedure, but a surgery that amputates a segment of bone, ligaments and nerves in the paw.

New York State Assembly member Linda Rosenthal sponsored the legislation, and tells Here & Now's Robin Young it's time to outlaw the procedure.

Guest

Linda Rosenthal, member of the New York State Assembly. She tweets @LindaBRosenthal.

This segment aired on May 27, 2016.