Boston - Massachusetts State House - Photo by David Paul Ohmer (Flickr)
Sometimes I feel I live in the stone age because some of the laws concerning cats are barbaric. Everyone is very familiar with the declawing issue. It's inhumane, cruel, painful, unnecessary and should be banned. Period.
How many of you know that it IS legal to devocalize a cat? That's the law in Massachusetts. I'm not sure about other states or countries.
Yep, a cat. This law also pertains to dogs but-A CAT?! You've got to be kidding. I thought everyone loved to hear a cats many vocal talents. Apparently in Massachusetts there is a bill being introduced to the senate to ban this crazy-I don't even know what to call it. It's too cruel for words. It has been named "Logan's Law." The official bill is H.B.344 and the entire bill can be read here
This is not minor surgery as many believe. It is invasive, painful and can lead to lifelong problems including gagging and breathing difficulties. It carries significant risks even when preformed by an expert surgeon. Many veterinarians are now refusing to do it under any circumstances.
Pictures on the internet show the physical damage done to "pets" who have their vocal cords removed. To me they are as infuriating as the declawing photos. See House vote transcript
Once again we are dealing with an issue where there is nothing physically wrong with the animal and the animal comes out of surgery maimed for life. Logan's Law recognizes this is an owner issue and not a pet issue.
An update on Logan's Law on March 3, 2010 stated the bill has been submitted to the Massachusetts State Senate after passing 155-1 in the House of Representatives. Hopefully it will go on thru without any amendments.
Massachusetts also has another new law on the books. As of December 31, 2009, a person living in this state could own 27 cats. That seems a few too many from my point of view but I'm sure there are rescuers, foster homes, etc. where this is possible without it being cat hoarding. The article stated that in 2010 the number of cats legally owned would be cut from 27 to 4. I guess my question concerning this issue is "what happens to the other 23 cats who put the household over the limit?" Will they be turned into local shelters? Or turned loose in the wild? Check this one out at: How many cats can you legally own in Massachusetts?
It's not my intention to bash Massachusetts. I'm sure many other states have laws pertaining to animals that need to be reviewed and changed. These are just two making the news at this time that I thought would make an interesting discussion. I also hope my readers like the topics I pick. Someone has to speak up to protect our feline babies.
I believe it's way past time for all of this madness to stop. We are physically and mentally scarring our "pets" due to people issues. We all need to be educated as to the responsibilities of owning a cat. The shelter where I live does a thorough interview with a potential owner to make sure certain criteria are met. Their job is to match the right pet with the right owner. Then some people get angry when their adoption application is rejected.
Declawing is wrong. Devocalizing is wrong. Throwing away animals when we tire of them is wrong. I'd better stop writing now before I blow up too many brain cells.
The vets in Massachusetts oppose the bill - can you believe it? - yes.
Elisa
Just sick thats like devocalizing your child because they are crying to much people who do this to animals should be hung and have their throats slit
Welcome. This is POC, a group of people who love cats.
Michael is the creator of this site.
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Thanks Dee for acting as greeter and host.
Sorry if I overstepped. I don’t want anyone to feel unwelcome here.
Dee, you don’t overstep. Don’t be concerned.
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