by Michael
One more nail in the coffin of declawing. Israel has banned it. Let us rejoice this Christmas. It is the best Christmas present any cat could have; to retain his claws. This has been quite a long political journey for Israel. I reported on the possibility of a ban in May 2011.
Declawing is now banned in Israel unless there are genuine medical reasons, which are naturally rare. Although I cannot see a vet in Israel being in breach of this new legislation, if he or she was, on conviction, the sentence is a maximum 1 year imprisonment or 75,000 NIS (shekel) fine (USD: $19,796 or £12,696). I will clarify that later when they have published the actual legislation online. I need some details.
At the time of this post I can’t find the actual legislation. We should thank the politicians who drove this through the Israeli parliament, the Knesset: Eitan Cabel of Labor, Yoel Hasson of Kadima, Dov Khenin of Hadash and Nitzan Horowitz of Meretz. I think Eitan Cabel is one the prime movers and shakers in this. Well done Eitan. You are a bit of hero to us here on PoC. I am also told that we should MK Cabel for introducing this humane legislation. His email is: ecabel@knesset.gov.il. You might like to thank him!
What is good about it for me is that there is a very close connection between Israel and America. America give Israel billions of dollars each year for defence. There are obviously a lot of Israeli politicians and people of influence in America. Perhaps through them we may achieve a ban in America. This seems like a mountain to climb, however.
But at least it is one more nail in the coffin of this malpractice. One unfortunate barrier is the world recession and financial crisis. At these times people are reluctant to take away an income stream from businesses and vets make an awful lot of money from the legal mutilation of the domestic cat.
IN MANY LANGUAGES WE SAY NO TO DECLAWING
Best
