01/18/2026
FEDERAL RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE CAT DECLAWING INTRODUCED (1-9-26): A U.S. House Resolution, H.Res. 985, urges “opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as declawing, for elective surgery in cats.” Representative Jerry Nadler introduced the resolution with 17 original cosponsors to reflect “the growing consensus among veterinarians, public health experts, and animal welfare advocates that the practice is inhumane and unnecessary.” The press release notes that “declawing is an invasive procedure where the last bone of each toe is amputated, equivalent to cutting off a human finger at the last knuckle” and can cause “lifelong physical and behavioral problems, including chronic pain, mobility issues, and increased aggression” in cats. Scratching is a normal, instinctive behavior in cats and helps to exercise muscles, relieve stress, and manage claw health (among other benefits).
ACTION ALERT:
To date, only one U.S. Representative from Georgia has signed on as a cosponsor of H.Res. 985: Rep. Henry “Hank” Johnson (District 4). Please call your U.S. Representative and urge them to sign on as a cosponsor of H.Res. 985. To find your U.S. Representative, click here: https://pluralpolicy.com/open/
NOTE. A "Resolution" from one chamber does not have the force of law but is a formal statement of opinion.
Six states have banned the practice as elective surgery: New York, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California. Several other states have introduced legislation.
H.Res. 985:
(1) opposes declawing, as defined in this resolution, when performed for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, or for reasons of convenience in keeping or handling a cat, and encourages veterinary professionals to discourage the practice with vigor;
(2) recognizes that these practices should only be performed when medically necessary for a therapeutic purpose for the physical health of the cat, meaning a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring anatomical pathology issue such as infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone that jeopardizes the cat’s health, and not for the purpose of convenience, property protection, or behavioral modification;
(3) urges State legislatures that have not yet banned onychectomy (declawing) and tendonectomy for elective reasons to consider this on the grounds of animal welfare and public health; and
(4) affirms the commitment of the United States to advancing the cause of animal protection and animal welfare.
For more info:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/985/text
Photo credit: The Paw Project https://www.facebook.com/pawproject
