Calfornia’s Cat Declawing Ban Faces Familiar Foe: The Veterinary Lobby

Apr 7

Despite bipartisan support and graphic testimony, past efforts to outlaw the controversial procedure have quietly died—but advocates hope this year will be different.

A proposal to ban cat declawing in California seems like an easy win: Over 30 countries and multiple U.S. cities and states have outlawed the practice, and even the American Veterinary Medical Association discourages it as cruel and unnecessary. Yet five attempts since 2018 have failed—thanks largely to the deep pockets and influence of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

Now, Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas) is trying again with Assembly Bill 867, which would prohibit the procedure except for rare medical necessities, such as infections. Last week, he made his case to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee with visceral imagery: a poster comparing feline declawing to amputating human fingers at the last joint.

The Gruesome Reality

Veterinarian Jennifer Conrad of the Paw Project drove the point home with a cigar cutter, demonstrating how declawing slices through cats’ toe bones. Supporters argue the procedure causes chronic pain, mobility issues, and behavioral problems like biting or litter-box avoidance.

But the CVMA opposes the ban. Lobbyist Christina DiCaro acknowledged that many vets have voluntarily stopped declawing but argued the bill would infringe on professional autonomy. She also raised concerns that reporting medically necessary declaws could expose vets to harassment by activists.

Money vs. Momentum

The CVMA’s campaign contributions haven’t swayed Democrats—yet. The committee advanced Lee’s bill 12-0, with Republicans abstaining (a de facto “no” vote). Los Angeles Assemblymember Jessica Caloza called declawing stomach-churning, while Chair Marc Berman lightened the mood with puns (“This bill is meow-velous!”).

But history looms large:

2023: A similar bill died without a hearing.
2022: Passed the Assembly but stalled in the Senate.
2018–2020: Three other attempts quietly vanished, with just one formal “no” vote.

As CalMatters has reported, California lawmakers rarely kill bills outright; most languish without hearings—a tactic that avoids accountability.

A Shift in Strategy?

Lee, a former staffer for prior declawing-ban author Sen. Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), senses a turning point. Past debates centered on the procedure’s ethics, but now, he says, the CVMA is “just fighting regulation.” With public sentiment firmly against declawing, advocates hope this sixth attempt claws its way to victory.

What’s Next: The bill moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where behind-the-scenes negotiations—and CVMA lobbying—will test its fate.

Why This Matters

Animal Welfare: Declawing is banned in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York state, but California’s statewide ban would set a national precedent.
Lobbying Power: The CVMA’s ability to block even “noncontroversial” bills highlights how money shapes policy.
Legislative Transparency: The quiet death of past bills underscores criticisms of Sacramento’s opaque decision-making.