Declawing cats is not a matter of just removing the nail. Instead, the last
joint on each toes is surgery removed, preventing the claw from growing
back and, some say, cause unnecessary pain, lifetime suffering and
behavioral issues.
(Getty Images)

Back in 2014, I hosted a community viewing of the documentary film “The Paw Project.” The veterinarian-filmmaker attended the city hall event, and participated in an audience discussion.

The film exposes the barbaric practice of declawing cats, and advocates for the termination of this unnecessary and harmful procedure. Declawing — which is much more aggressive than trimming fingernails and is similar to cutting off the first knuckle of a human finger — often leads to extreme anti-social and aggressive behavior in otherwise adoptable and companionable animals.

Back then, I aggressively pushed for San Jose to follow the lead of other cities, states and countries that had already banned the cruel practice of cat declawing, however San Jose was pre-empted in doing so by California law.

Fortunately, Assemblyman Bill Quirk has submitted AB 1230 which would eliminate declawing statewide. This promising legislative proposal deserves the full support of animal lovers throughout our community.

Pierluigi Oliverio
Former San Jose Councilman