In a huge win for animal welfare, Rhode Island just became the latest state to ban cat declawing—a painful and unnecessary procedure that’s been widely condemned by veterinarians and animal advocates alike.

Now it's Utah's turn.

Declawing isn’t just a nail trim. It’s the amputation of the last bone in a cat’s toe—comparable to cutting off a human finger at the last joint. It can lead to chronic pain, behavior issues, and long-term suffering. All for the sake of keeping furniture intact.

There are safe, humane alternatives to manage scratching behavior: trimming nails, providing scratching posts, using deterrent sprays. But there’s no excuse for resorting to surgery that maims an animal for life.

We call on the Utah State Legislature to follow Rhode Island’s compassionate example and ban cat declawing across the state—except when medically necessary for the cat’s health.

Let’s make Utah a place where animals are treated with dignity and care—not pain and convenience. Our cats deserve better.

Please add your voice and help protect Utah’s cats from this cruel and outdated practice.