Disclaimer: Although Marie Mazzeo and Kitty Connection do commend the City of Cambridge for dealing with the issue of feral cats, we do not trap and euthanize feral cats but participate with local TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) programs.
INDUSTRY ALERT from IDEXX Reference Laboratories: First confirmed 2011 case of H1N1 influenza virus infection reported in a domestic cat
The Procter and Gamble Company acquired Natura Pet Products--makers of Innova, Evo, California Natural, et al.-- in June 2010. Natura will operate as a separate business unit under the P&G Pet Care division and continue to be led by Don Scott, President and Chief Operating Officer of Natura.
Creature Comforts Click here to read this heartwarming story about parents coping with a daughter's death, and how they took in her two cats when she was gone.
Starting April 30th you can buy stamps at the post office that help to buy food for shelter pets. You can pre-order them online now. Click here to read more:http://www.stampstotherescue.com/.
Alley Cat Allies Helps Defeat Deadly Bill From Consideration
IMPORTANT: H1N1 Influenza Virus Confirmed in Iowa Cat
Hi Jamee Ferrara,
I just received a press release from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) confirming the first reported case of the H1N1 flu virus in pets and I wanted you to know about it immediately.
The AVMA just released the following information:
"A 13-year-old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29, and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with H1N1. The cat has recovered from its illness.
To date, this is the first cat confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus."
Here are some tips to help keep you and your pet healthy:
If you are sick, see your doctor.
If your pet is showing a problem, see your veterinarian.
It is a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling your pets. This is just good common sense.
Do not expose your pets to other sick pets.
Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and toss your soiled tissues in a covered waste bin.
Good preventative measures can help keep you and your pets healthy. That's good advice any time of year, but especially during flu season.
Cat Helps Prove Abuser's Guilt From the American Humane Association October 2009
One Abuser, Two Victims
When 9-year-old Beth* was sexually abused by her stepfather, she told the prosecuting attorney that someone else knew about it -- but that he couldn’t talk. She was referring to her beloved cat, Oreo. Beth explained that Oreo would bravely lie outside her door at night and hiss whenever her attacker appeared. In trying to protect her, the loyal black and white cat also became another victim of violence; Beth’s stepfather would always brutally kick Oreo away from the door.
Beth’s revelation gave the prosecutor an idea. She decided to have Oreo examined by a veterinarian. The results were chilling. Sure enough, poor Oreo had sustained injuries consistent with being physically abused. When the prosecutor submitted the veterinarian’s report to the jury as evidence showing a pattern of violence in the home, Beth’s allegations gained credibility. In a way, Oreo was able to testify, convincing the jury that the traumatized little girl had been telling the truth.
Beth’s stepfather was convicted and received a long prison sentence. Meanwhile, Beth and Oreo were finally able to experience what every child and animal deserves: a safe home.
Help Empower Victims Like Beth and Oreo The prosecutor in Beth’s case was Allie Phillips, who now works for American Humane as vice president of our Public Policy Office. She and our staff regularly conduct trainings for attorneys, judges, veterinarians, social workers, domestic-violence counselors and other social services providers on what American Humane calls The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, increasing awareness of the powerful role it can play in unmasking and preventing abuse. It’s a vital message -- one that Allie and our Link team are uniquely qualified to spread on behalf of abuse victims everywhere. But she can’t do it alone. Please help Allie and our team continue to educate others about The Link and stop the cycle of violence affecting innocent people and animals alike. Donate today! *This is a true story. However, the child’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.
Renting with a pet? 10 tips to get Buddy in the Door
With vacancy rates up and apartments struggling to fill units, landlords are more willing than ever to say yes to pets. But you'll still need to show you're a best-of-breed pet owner. Here's how. To read more copy this link into your browser....http:///realestate.msn.com//article.aspx?cp-documentid=19189244
Good News for Animals! New Law Prohibiting Renting of Pets
PROHIBIT RENTING OF PETS (H 5006) A new law banning companies from offering dogs and cats for rent took effect last week. The measure imposes up to a $500 fine on violators. It was originally filed following an announcement that FlexPetz had plans to open a Massachusetts office that offers pets for short term rentals. The company's website says that rental is "a unique concept for dog lovers who are unable to own a full-time doggy pal and miss spending time with a canine friend." Supporters of the ban said that the service is misguided and morally irresponsible because it treats dogs like a piece of rental equipment. They argued that dogs should be lifelong companions rather than one-night rentals. The House had approved the new law on a 157-0 roll call vote while the Senate passed it on a voice vote without a roll call. (A "Yes" vote is for the ban).
Rep. Denise Provost Yes
Rep. Carl Sciortino Yes
Rep. Timothy Toomey Yes
The pet rental bill was filed and passed by Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, an all-volunteer network of pet owners, shelters and concerned individuals throughout Massachusetts. CPR Pets is now campaigning to pass a state bill banning the cruel practice of devocalization--surgical silencing of dogs and cats. Find out how you can help in five minutes or less!
Channel 7 Segment on Homeless Cats!
Channel 7 (Boston) recently interviewed Kitty Connection about the affect of the economy on homeless cats.
See coverage at http://www1.whdh.com/features/articles/hank/BO82514
Action Needed!
Devocalization Information and Action Needed
Warwick City Council Heard Your Voice...
and Protected Those of Dogs and Cats.
8-1 Vote Bans Devocalization.
In a vote of 8-1 last night, the Warwick (RI) City Council enacted an ordinance banning devocalization of dogs and cats--thanks to you, it was minus the behavior exemption that would have allowed this cruelty to continue.
City Hall staffers and the news media credit the activism of animal lovers nationwide with overturning the loophole.
Special thanks are due Councilman Joseph Solomon, who sponsored the ordinance; Dennis Tabella, who asked him to file it; and Council President Bruce Place.
The sole vote against this humane law was Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson, who posted on her Facebook page following last month's initial vote to approve an enforceable devocalization ban:
“It may open the door for follow-on laws prohibiting ear cropping, docking tails and removing dewclaws. The impact on Vets, breeders and show dog owners could be a huge problem.”
While allowing devocalization indeed protects the wallets of special interests, the Councilwoman failed to mention the impact on animals of painful, risky convenience and cosmetic surgeries.
What Should You Do Now?
1) Send a short email thanking the City Council members who voted to protect dogs and cats. Make it easy: Copy and paste this block of addresses into a single email form.
2) Send a letter to the editor (limit to 250 words) of the Providence Journal (letters@projo.com) and Warwick Beacon (johnh@rhodybeat.com) applauding the Warwick City Council for banning vocal cord surgery cruelly performed to suppress the voices of dogs and cats. The Council's vote for humane treatment of animals reflects well on Warwick! Scroll down for talking points.Include: your name; shelter or veterinary affiliation if you have one; full address and phone number for verification. Your street address and phone number won't be published.
Talking Points for Letters to the Editor
On March 14, the Warwick City Council joined the vanguard of governments that have demonstrated both common sense and compassion by prohibiting vocal cord surgery performed solely to suppress the voices of dogs and cats.
Massachusetts banned canine/feline devocalization statewide in 2010; it has long been illegal throughout the UK.
Other U.S. states are currently considering similar legislation against opposition from breeders--who selfishly order devocalization to keep many animals without hearing them--and veterinary associations working to protect members' business interests.
Prohibiting devocalization is the will of the people. An unfunded, all-volunteer network of people who care about animals--Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets--sponsored and passed the Massachusetts ban despite an intense battle waged by monied lobbies that profit from devocalization.
Why Ban Devocalization?
Vocal cord surgery subjects animals to serious, even life-threatening, risks no matter how skilled the vet or how the procedure is performed.
Dogs and cats face these risks without any benefit, not even a secure home; devocalized animals are given up like any other, such as when they're no longer useful for breeding or exhibition.
Devocalization is rarely performed on dogs and cats kept as companions, most often on those used for profit or hobby.
Why would breeders order devocalization? To keep many animals when they or neighbors don't want to hear them. Some breeders sell devocalized animals without disclosure to pet owners, who later may face the burden of costly surgeries to remove scar tissue from their dog's or cat's throat.
Why would show dog owners devocalize? To keep dogs quiet in the ring or in transit between shows.
Sophie
Behavior Exemption is Out For Now, But the Battle to
Protect Warwick Animals Isn't Over Yet!
Speak Out Again Before March 14 Final Vote.
End Cruel Devocalization of Dogs and Cats.
On February 14, the Warwick, RI, City Council voted 8-1 to remove the behavior exemption that would have allowed devocalization of dogs and cats for any reason. Council members credited the calls and emails they received from those who oppose this act of animal cruelty. Kudos--and thank you--to everyone who took action!
The one dissenting voice, Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson, has said her district hosts many dog shows. Dog show exhibitors and breeders most commonly have animals devocalized.
Animals need your help again--
the ordinance requires a second vote on March 14.
Lobbies that profit from devocalization will pull out the stops
to kill the ban or render it unenforceable then.
Here's what you can do now to defend dogs and cats.
No matter where you live: Email and/or call all eight Councilmembers who voted to protect animals; just copy and paste the block of addresses, below, into a single email form. Copy the mayor and the Council Liaison.
Include your name and address. Put "Thank you" in the subject line.
What to say
Thank Council members for taking an ethical stand by removing the behavior exemption from the proposed devocalization ban.
VERY IMPORTANT: Urge the Council to reject any further attempts to introduce a behavior exemption--including the obviously unenforceable and baseless "last resort."
Vocal cord surgery by any means, for any purpose except to treat a PHYSICAL illness, disease, injury or birth defects causing the animal medical harm is an act of cruelty. And no city or state should sanction animal cruelty.
Contact Information
Email and/or call: Council members who voted to remove the behavior exemption:
Sign by 5 p.m. ET, Thurs., Feb. 10 to be included in the hard copy delivered to the Warwick City Council ...OR
Sign any time before Mon., Feb. 14 to be included in the electronic copy
On Mon., Feb. 14, the Warwick City Council will vote on an ordinance that
allows and condones devocalization for any reason--thanks to pressure exerted by lobbies that profit from this cruel convenience surgery.
Show Council members that compassionate people are the majority. And we oppose cutting an animal's vocal cords for ANY reason except to treat a PHYSICAL illness, disease, injury or birth defects causing the animal medical harm.
Why be concerned about Warwick?
Not only will the pending ordinance put the animals of Warwick in harm's way, it legitimizes and will set a legal precedent that promotes this act of cruelty everywhere. In time, devocalization will become as mainstream as another cruelty--declawing.
An AKC breeder had Stella's vocal cords cut to stifle her voice.
On February 14, the Warwick (RI) City Council will vote on whether to approve an ordinance that, incredibly,allows vocal cord surgery cruelly used to stifle a dog’s or cat’s voice. Massachusetts recently passed a statewide ban on canine/feline vocal cord surgery unless medically necessary--the only ethical reason for this procedure. However, the Warwick ordinance is cleverly worded to permit devocalization for any reason: All the animal's owner has to do is claim it is a "last resort"for so-called “excessive” barking or meowing.
The Massachusetts Legislature rejected the behavior exemption, which lobbies that profit from devocalization tried to introduce, because it creates an obviously unenforceable, sham law that will hurt animals well beyond Warwick!
Because breeders who devocalize for their selfish best interest—when they or neighbors don’t tolerate the sound of their animals—lobbied the City Council to keep this cruel practice available. Now it’s time for people who care about animals as companions, not profit centers, to step up and protect them.
Weekday or Weekend: Make a Call, Send an Email Now
to Prevent Government-Sanctioned Animal Cruelty.
Just five minutes of your time will protect dogs and cats
from a lifetime of suffering...or premature, horrific death.
Tell City Council members to REMOVE the behavior exemption because it allows and condones an act of animal cruelty. (Scroll down for more information.)
Call during reasonable hours. You'll likely get voicemail, so leave a polite message: your name, city/state and "Please remove the behavior exemption. It allows and condones devocalization, an act of animal cruelty!"
And/or email,very important for the public record. Include your name, city and state, and a short, personal message about why this matters to you. Put "Remove Behavior Exemption" in the subject line.
The behavior exemption makes the law unenforceable.It's obvious: No vet can know whether a client has pursued humane options for managing behavior, and some won't ask. Even receipts for training don't mean the client followed the protocol, which requires time and effort.
The only ethical reason for canine/feline vocal cord surgery is medical necessity: to treat disease, injury or birth defects causing the animal physical harm.
Vocal cord surgery performed specifically to suppress the voice is an act of cruelty that responsible governments should not condone—but Warwick will if it passes an ordinance allowing devocalization as a so-called “last resort” for behavior.
Devocalization is profitable for the vet, easy for the client, which discourageshumane, nonsurgical methods for preventing and resolving problem behaviors: responsible selection, housing, training and care of animals. Some breeds are prone to frequent vocalization; they and groups of animals shouldn’t be placed where noise is not tolerated. Others bark or meow persistently because they’re bored, lonely, distressed—or the owner inadvertently taught the behavior. Should animals be punished with risky, needless surgery for that?
Devocalization does NOT ensure animals a home. It subjects them to pain, stress and serious risks--from a lifetime of gagging and difficulty breathing to horrific death--without benefit.Devocalized animals are given up for the same reasons as any other, such as when they're not useful for breeding or exhibition.
Ordinance to muzzle pit bulls in Malden passes key hurdle By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent November 16, 2010 A proposal to require all pit bulls to wear a muzzle in public passed a key hurdle last night, after the measure was unanimously recommended to the full City Council during an Ordinance Committee meeting.
If you don't agree with this proposal, attend Malden City Council meetings and let your voice be heard.
Devocalization Update
Phoebe's breeder had her
devocalized, then sold her to an unsuspecting family.
Massachusetts Bans Devocalization of Dogs
and Cats: What You Need to Know
On July 21, Logan’s Law took effect, making
Massachusetts the first state to ban canine and feline devocalization—the cutting
of vocal cords just to stifle an animal’s voice. Sponsored by Coalition to
Protect and Rescue Pets, an unfunded, all-volunteer network of Massachusetts
pet owners, the law was endorsed by animal shelters, rescue groups and more
than 200 veterinarians statewide. They say devocalization subjects dogs and
cats to serious risks without any benefit, not even the assurance of a secure
home.
Potentially
life-threatening complications such as airway obstruction are common regardless
of the vet’s skill or how the tissue is cut; the risk of internal scarring that
may compromise breathing and cooling is actually greater with the less invasive procedure, in which instruments are
inserted through the mouth rather than an incision in the neck.
Devocalized
animals are given up for the same reasons as any other or because they’re not
viable for breeding or exhibition; some have been sold without disclosure to
unsuspecting pet owners. Here’s what
every Massachusetts resident needs to know about the new law.
About Logan’s Law
What it
prohibits:
·Vocal cord surgery performed on dogs and cats
for any reason but medical necessity (to treat disease, injury or birth
defects).
·Sale of a devocalized animal without prior
written notice to the buyer.
What it
allows:
·Vocal cord surgery to treat disease, injury or
birth defects.
What it
requires:
·Veterinarians must document all vocal cord surgeries as follows: name and address of the owner
and the person from whom payment is received; name, species, breed, date of
birth, sex, color, markings and weight of the animal; license number and
municipality in which it was issued; date and time the procedure was performed;
reason it was performed and supporting evidence, such as test results.
·These records must be maintained by the vet for
four years after the last contactwith the animal.
Who
orders vocal cord surgery to stifle an animal’s voice?
·Primarily those who keep many dogs and/or cats
for profit or hobby.
·Those who hoard or fight animals.
·Less often, those who keep one or few dogs
and/or cats as companions.
Devocalized
animals may exhibit some or all of the following traits.
·Hoarse, squeaky or no voice.
·Diminished or no vocal distinction.
·Gagging and coughing.
·Difficulty breathing and wheezing, particularly
during exercise or in hot weather.
What
can you do to protect dogs and cats—and yourself?
·If you
suspect an animal has been devocalized, report it to Animal Control or local
law enforcement; because the law is new, remind them devocalization is now
illegal in Massachusetts. Ask that they
obtain the animal’s veterinary records to determine when the surgery was
performed and whether it was medically necessary.
·If you
believe the animal you purchased was devocalized and you have not received
written disclosure from the seller, report it to Animal Control or local law
enforcement. You might also want to consult an attorney to determine your personal
recourse.
Please post a comment about Logan's Law, banning cruel devocalization of dogs and cats--and save it for reposting to other blogs that may report on this landmark humane legislation in the days ahead. Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets will notify you. Or if you find something, please let us know.
The law passed. So why is your post important?
Because legislators follow the blogs. Lobbies that profit from devocalization will try to repeal or amend Logan's Law next session. Meanwhile, federal legislation to end devocalization is pending. If we don't show we care, elected officials won't.
Your post needn't be long, and you're not getting graded.
Don't stress--just do it!
Take a few minutes to express your thoughts about devocalization.
Do congratulate Beacon Hill legislators for having the vision and compassion to ban this selfish and greedy act of animal cruelty.
You might also express your disappointment that the Mass. Veterinary Medical Association used its resources to lobby against Logan's Law. After all, would you entrust your best friend to vets who sanction medically unnecessary surgery?
Call 'em out! Perhaps the weight of public opinion will inspire MVMA to get on the right side of future humane legislation. More than 200 Massachusetts vets already did by endorsing Logan's Law. Contact CPRPets@aol.com for a list.
Breeders are pushing aSNEAKY AMENDMENT
that will turn An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, H344, into
a state lawALLOWING THIS CRUELTY.
An AKC breeder had Stella’s vocal cords cut to silence her—because she could.
Without $1500 corrective surgery paid by her rescuer, Stella would have died.
Help stop vocal cord surgery cruelly performed to stifle a dog’s or cat’s voice.
An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, HB 344, is sponsored by Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets,
an all-volunteer network.It is endorsed by Kitty Connection, Angell Animal Medical Center, shelters and compassionate veterinarians statewide.INFO: CPRPets@aol.com
It's now official: The Commonwealth will no longer tolerate the cruel practice of cutting vocal cords to stifle a dog’s or cat’s voice.
Gov. Patrick has signed An Act Prohibiting Devocalization (Logan’s Law).
This is huge. Logan's Law is the first effective statewide devocalization ban in the nation.
And it is your victory.
From 16-year-old Jordan Star, whose idea it was to file this bill, to 71-year-old Jordan Gallagher, our most indefatigable volunteer, this is your victory.
You passed this landmark legislation--and kept opponents' lobbyists from watering it down--with every call you made, every flyer you handed out, every alert you forwarded or posted to your Facebook page, website or blog over the past 16 months.
Some of you visited your legislators at the Statehouse or in their district offices. Friends of the Plymouth Pound (FPP) organized a group of constituents, who made the trip into Boston to meet with Senate President Murray, helping win critical support.
It was fitting: Logan's Law is named for the devocalized show dog rescued by FPP founder Gayle Fitzpatrick.
Who is Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, sponsor of Logan’s Law?
The Coalition is an unfunded, all-volunteer network of people who care about animals. The Coalition is every one of you.
Some of you first joined together under the CPR Pets banner in 2008 to prohibit the emerging pet rental trade--a business model that reduced dogs to the status of DVDs. Together, we passed that state law in an astounding five months. Other Coalition members are new to this effort.
You are individuals with and without dogs and cats of your own. You are animal behavior experts, groomers, pet shop owners and dog walkers. You are veterinarians who took a courageous stand.
And you are small, struggling animal shelters and rescue groups—in the trenches giving countless hours of your time to save dogs and cats. Some of you work without even a salary, digging into your own pockets to rescue, heal and give unwanted, abused and neglected animals the loving, secure homes we all deserve.
Together, you formed a Coalition of people determined to keep dogs and cats from being robbed of their voices for an owner's convenience or profit. And against all odds, you succeeded.
You did it without funding.
You did it without direct mail, lobbyists, TV ads or slick campaign materials, proving it's not money that passes legislation: It's your voice and your will.
You passed a bill the "experts" said would never become law--with nothing more than your time, energy and the convictionthat animals deserve protection from abuse, no matter what form it takes or by what euphemisms it is called. Let there be no mistake: Devocalization is animal abuse.
Please don’t stop now.
And be vigilant: The special interests that fought to kill or dilute this bill may be back next legislative session to try again. Don’t let them succeed.
Animals need more than compassion to protect them from the whims of selfish, cruel and profit-driven people. They need laws—and laws won't happen without your advocacy.
Please thank the organizations that stepped up to support our effort:
Animal Law Coalition
Executive Director Laura Allen, Esq. drafted our bill and has worked every day to help us pass it since it was filed in December 2008. She posted, e-alerted and tweeted relentlessly—and provided sound legal advice, never asking for credit, happy to help without recognition. Laura is the expert voice on passing strong, effective animal-protective laws. Please learn about and support ALC’s legislative efforts nationally:www.animallawcoalition.com
HSVMA
Director Pam Runquist and Veterinary Consultant Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM were our consultants on veterinary issues, researching, advising and enabling us to counter the many myths put forth by opponents. HSVMA also brought more than 200 Massachusetts veterinarians on board. Wonder if your vet is among them? Email CPRPets@aol.com for a list of vets who endorsed the bill. If yours isn’t named, express your hope that the next time a humane bill is on the docket, s/he will stand up to support it.
Companion Animal Protection Society, In Defense of Animals, Kinship Circle, MARC and NEAVSshared information about the bill with their Massachusetts members. Their outreach was essential for our success.
Petco welcomed us into its stores throughout Massachusetts to distribute information.
Thank you to our consulting experts.
Dr. Joel M. Woolfson, DVM, DACVS, Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Nicholas Dodman, DVA, DACVB, DACVA, Veterinary Behaviorist and Anesthesiologist Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM, MBA, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn. Pat Miller, CDBC, CPDT; Past President, Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Diana Cartier, Videographer Laura Allen, Esq., Executive Director, Animal Law Coalition
and your own Rep and Senator (call and/or email) for hearing and supporting your concern for animals.
Last but not least...
House Clerk Steve James and Senate Clerk Bill Welch and their staffs for their impartial help--and infinite patience--in guiding us through the legislative process.
It's not every bill that passes the House 155-1,
and passes the Senate overwhelmingly too.
Logan's Law did because of you.
Congratulations!
Animal Umbrella, Revere Baypath Humane Society, Hopkinton Berkshire Humane Society, Pittsfield Billerica Cat Care Coalition, Billerica Boston Dog Rescue, Boston Buddy Dog Humane Society, Sudbury Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Springfield Dog Orphans, Douglas Forever Paws Animal Shelter, Fall River Friends of the Plymouth Pound, Plymouth Ipswich Humane Group, Ipswich Kitty Connection, Medford Marblehead Animal Shelter, Marblehead MassPAWS, Winthrop Melrose Humane Society, Melrose MetroWest Humane Society, Ashland MSPCA, Boston New England Animal Rescue, Middleboro New England Society for Abandoned Animals, Osterville Norfolk County Humane Society, Canton Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem Poodle Rescue of New England, Somerville Save A Dog, Sudbury South Shore Humane Society, Braintree Standish Humane Society, Duxbury Sterling Animal Shelter, Sterling Tiny Tigers Feline Rescue, Groton Underdog ResQ, Boston Worcester Animal Rescue League, Worcester
EXCITING NEWS! These California cities have now voted to BAN the de-clawing of animals:
1. Santa Monica Oct 27th 2009, voted 6 to 1
2. San Francisco Nov 3rd, 2009, voted 9 to 2
3. Beverly Hills Nov 5th 2009, voted 5 to 0
4. Los Angeles Nov 6th 2009, voted 11 to 0 (2nd largest city with 4 million people!)
5. West Hollywood cities were banned in 2003
The Los Angeles Council Mtg was the most inspiring thing I've seen! The Council Members profusely thanked Council Members Koretz & Rosendahl for introducing the legislation, for educating them about the true nature of the surgery, and said they will not tolerate such cruelty to their "animal friends" within their city limits. It was a unanimous vote of 11 to 0.
No one showed up to oppose the ban in LA. Animal welfare advocates, rescuers, cat guardians, and vets came to support the ban, and really didn't have to say too much, because it was the Council that said it all!
Among their many enlightened comments, the Council said that children who learn to treat their pets humanely will grow up being kinder, less-violent citizens, that "de-clawing" is a method of torture for POW's & shouldn't be inflicted on animals for being animals, and that vets can make $$$ selling nail trims & applying Soft Paws so it will not be a financial loss to them as so many fear.
Council Member Rosendahl, a diabetic on blood thinners, with 3 naturally clawed cats, said the claim that folks with blood or immune disorders should have de-clawed cats is bogus with the existing good practice alternatives. In fact, John Duran, who passed the W. Hollywood Ban, has AIDS. Koretz said that because de-clawed cats use their teeth more and their litterbox less, they are actually more dangerous for this population.
Dr. Jean Hovre, DVM held up a huge folder of documents saying that these were the de-claw studies the CVMA said didn't exist (apparently they were trying to hide the evidence of documented negative behavioral effects). She also mentioned that Dr. Nicolas Dodman's description of cats waking up from the surgery, bouncing off the cage walls from the excruciating pain, is not the whole story. She said cats try to throw their throbbing paws away from them, trying to get them off their bodies to escape the pain, but can't. She said that chronic pain in de-clawed cats is just now being studied, FINALLY!
THANKS to all of you who made calls and sent emails, it's working, they've listened and understood the TRUTH about this needless cruelty. No more crippling for human convenience or veterinary profit in these cities. The cats (rabbits, ferrets, iguanas, & dogs) are finally safe & protected. Time now for other cities to do the same!
