31% of Tellwut Online Survey Takers Support Cat Declawing Legislation

In New Jersey declawing your cat could soon be an act of animal cruelty, only 15% of Tellwut online survey takers are aware of this breaking piece of feline related news. Practitioners of onychectomy, the veterinary term for removing a cat’s claws, can be charged up to $1000 and face up to 6 months in jail. Declawing is viewed as a barbaric procedure, Nessiegirl says, “how would you like your finger removed?” Nessiegirl aggressively brings a valid point to the table; “Cats nails are as important as a humans digits, they use their claws for just about everything from playing to preening and everything in between.”   39% of Tellwut panel members own a cat, and only 10% have had their cats declawed. Some voters see declawing as a normal and justifiable act. Maddie1951 has an interesting perspective; “The reason I did not declaw my cat is because he is an outside cat. If he was an inside cat I would declaw him. It is not inhumane, the vet puts the cat under before doing it... Plus it is a lot easier on the furniture.” Another Tellwut member Waller has a personal experience to draw from, after dealing with a cat attack. “Out of nowhere, he went crazy on me. I would declaw after that. It changed my thoughts.”   21% of voters did not declaw their cat because of moral opposition; many parallel the experience between themselves and their pet. Diane1958 echoes earlier sentiments from Nessiegirl,” Nasty practice, don't want my fingernails surgically removed.” Diane1958’s comparison seems tame in comparison with The Humane Society of the United States they describe the process as involving ‘the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If performed on a human being, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.’   We asked voters if they would support a similar law in their home state, the results were almost evenly divided 31% would, 32% would not and the majority at 37% remain undecided. The slight lead may result from lack of information on the procedure; smste1 said, “Our kitty over 18 years old, was declawed. Never would I do this again! I did not fully understand the procedure at the time.”