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Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

nytimes.com

41–50 of 119 posts

Re: Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

#41
As a veterinarian I feel a bit ashamed that veterinary surgeons are actually working against the law.

In Germany I don't even know when this was outlawed, but nobody here would even think that is possible.

I don't buy the euthanasia or abandonment argument at all.

Re: Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

#43
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And in Judaism you must circumcise in order to signify your acceptance of an ancient religious covenant. Without this acceptance the religion is castrated, eviscerated, made null. Which is of course the sole goal of its critics. There's also solid scientific evidence it contributes some health benefits, but we can and should ignore that.

I think it’s pretty disingenuous to suggest that not allowing foreskin amputation nullifies all of Judaism. Many Jewish people whose parents decided not to circumcise them grow up to have fulfilling spiritual and cultural lives. No one does a dick check when you walk into synagogue. There are many ways to maintain the symbolic importance of circumcision without resorting to unnecessary amputation, such as cutting a s…

Sorry. It is a requirement for a male Jew. No other "method" is acceptable. For non-Jews, there's rarely a reason for it.

Any Jew who doesn't circumcise is operating outside the context of Judaism, and is doing something very non-Jewish.

Re: Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

#44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And in Judaism you must circumcise in order to signify your acceptance of an ancient religious covenant. Without this acceptance the religion is castrated, eviscerated, made null. Which is of course the sole goal of its critics. There's also solid scientific evidence it contributes some health benefits, but we can and should ignore that.

This really isn’t the forum for a religious discussion, but I have to say I’ve never understood this part. If you disengage Judaism from ethnicity to be purely a religion then, assuming freedom of religion, shouldn’t it be down to the child to make that decision at some point when society deems them capable of making a decision on their own (typically 16)?

Do you let your child decide if he should brush his teeth?

Re: Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

#46

Not a cat owner, so actually curious: I have a friend cat who always scratches me, which is quite painful and leaves marks. Is there a way to trim the nails so this doesn't happen, or is the only solution to avoid the cat?

Normally cats only scratch when you go after them in some way. If that is the case, just don't go after the cat.

If the cat goes after you, that's a whole different ball game!

Re: Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

#47
post #3

Meanwhile, infant circumcision is still perfectly legal.

That's another, separate problem to be solved and doesn't make this change any less good. Although I guess it is vaguely relevant as NY does have a large Jewish population.

The Knesset outlawed it, and the fine there is a 1 year prison term, not just a minor $1000 slap.

Re: Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

#48
I'm actually somewhat torn on this one. At face value, I fully agree. More, none of my cats have been declawed, as I just don't see the point.

That said, I also don't buy the mutilation argument at face value. We literally castrated all of our male cats, and nobody bats an eye. Indeed, you seem to be frowned upon if you don't. Surely that is as mutilating to a male cat as losing a knuckle?

Re: Cat Declawing Is Banned by New York State Lawmakers

#50
post #48

I'm actually somewhat torn on this one. At face value, I fully agree. More, none of my cats have been declawed, as I just don't see the point. That said, I also don't buy the mutilation argument at face value. We literally castrated all of our male cats, and nobody bats an eye. Indeed, you seem to be frowned upon if you don't. Surely that is as mutilating to a male cat as losing a knuckle?

> I'm actually somewhat torn on this one. At face value, I fully agree. More, none of my cats have been declawed, as I just don't see the point.

> That said, I also don't buy the mutilation argument at face value. We literally castrated all of our male cats, and nobody bats an eye. Indeed, you seem to be frowned upon if you don't. Surely that is as mutilating to a male cat as losing a knuckle?

At least castration has the actual benefit of aiding in population control. I don't see any benefit to declawing and in fact it endangers outdoor cats as they can't adequately protect themselves.

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