BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed into law a bill to ban the declawing of cats, legislation introduced by Senator Mark Montigny. “Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane,” said Senator Montigny (D-New Bedford). “But it is also a procedure that is widely misunderstood and requested by owners. This law ensures that veterinarians will no longer have to weigh the choice of providing the procedure, knowing that if they don’t an owner is likely to just look for someone who will.” The new law prohibits the procedure, along with tendonectomy, unless it is in the event of a medical need for a cat. Montigny has introduced several pieces of legislation promoting animal welfare, including laws restricting dog tethering, prohibiting leaving dogs outdoors in extreme weather and allowing citizens and first responders to help endangered animals locked in cars. According to Montigny’s office, citing the American Veterinary Medical Association, the practice of cat declawing results in “acute and chronic pain, improperly healed wounds, sudden loss of blood, and impaired immune response.” Categories: Massachusetts, New Bedford, News