[FEL-L] De-claw debate

[ben willis]

This controversial topic has been discussed on this
list a number of times. Generally, it results in a
series of insults, name calling, and ultimately a
polarization views and opinions. This time there have
been less participants, but many facts have been
brought forward and those facts overwhelmingly support

a ban on the practice of declawing felines. More
importantly, those who have chosen to opine on the
subject have the credentials to support their opinions
whether they advocate or oppose the practice. 
Interestingly, the best evidence to support such a ban
has come from those who openly agree with the the
practice of de-clawing. Almost every individual admits
that 
botched surgeries do occur, depending on which
veterinarian the owner elects to hire. 

"My vet is experienced with wild felines and says they
do fine declawed if the tendons are reconnected
rather than simply being cut as is done my most vets
who declaw domestic cats. " 

"we have raised exotics for 20 years and have had
successes and failures with regard to grow backs, 
depending on the expertise of our Vets....... "

One member with more than fifty years experience in 
dealing with exotic felines and un-questionable
credentials has indicated that claw extractions are 
primarily done to protect costumes, props, and
injuries
to actors.

"I also know a lot of animal trainers that would not
work their animals if they were not declawed.  This is
to protect the actors that they must work with here in
California." " The only reason that they are declawed
is to protect costumes and props and people from
getting hurt."   

One has even suggested that de-claw surguries may even
promote attacks by causing a false sense of safety in
people, therefore causing them to take less
precautions
when handling big cats.

"A more likely connection would that be owners of
declawed big cats, get closer, are more physical with
the animal and tend to take chances one would not take
with a fully armed cat.  Thus leading to increase
incident of injury."
"Inversely it is likely that people with clawed cats
are more cautious and engage in less risky behavior. 
The claws are like a barrier that keeps you away from
the things that can really hurt you."

In any case, these comments were not taken out of
context. While I may not completely agree with them 
all, they do little to convince anyone that claw
extractions are necessary to protect humans or
animals. In fact they do just the opposite.

Ben Willis 


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