Rep. Barbara Hernandez Measure to Limit Cat Declawing Passes House of Representatives

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently advanced her measure to focus on humane treatment for cats and limit the practice of declawing out of the House of Representatives.

“The science is clear: cat declawing can cause serious enduring dimcomfort and loss of quality of life for cats,” Hernandez said. “While this used to be common practice, science has shown us that this is a proceedure that should only be done if medically vital, and it’s time our laws reflect reality.”

Hernandez passed House Bill 1533, which prohibits surgical claw removal, declawing tendonectomies or other alterations of cats’ toes that would impair normal function except for clear medical purposes. Cat owners will be able to have their cats’ nails trimmed or capped for asthetic reasons.

The bill is an initiative of the Illinois Humane Society. It now heads to the state Senate for additional considersation.

“I have a cat, and believe me I understand that their claws can sting,” Hernandez said. “However, those claws are often essential part of cats living naturally, and removing their claws without real cause isn’t fair.”