TRENTON, N.J., Dec. 08, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the proposed surgical declawing ban now before the New Jersey Assembly (A3899) and the Senate (S2410), the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA) launched a public campaign at LoveYourCats.org opposing the increased euthanasia that would certainly result from a surgical declawing ban.
Surgical declawing with advanced pain control methods is recommended by doctors as a last resort, as an alternative to euthanasia or abandonment.
“We want to see cats in loving, caring households,” says Dr. Michael Yurkus of the NJVMA. “We know that 72% of all cats sent to shelters will be euthanized, and this is a 100% preventable tragedy. As the leading advocates for saving the lives of unwanted or discarded animals, we’re laying out the vital facts and calling on concerned citizens to oppose this legislation at LoveYourCats.org.”
While veterinarians have reduced declawing through better education regarding the alternatives, the NJVMA is especially concerned for cats living with people taking immunity suppressing medication or blood thinners, or people with blood disorders, where an animal scratch would pose a health risk. Also of concern are the cats living with the elderly in facilities that require cats to be declawed.
About the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA)
Founded in 1884 as a professional association representing the state’s 1,600 licensed veterinarians, the NJVMA is dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession in New Jersey, protecting the health of animals and extending progressive leadership in the research, care, treatment, and welfare of animals. The NJVMA encourages high ethical standards and competence in the treatment of animals and promotes excellence in the professional training and continuing education of doctors of veterinary medicine. The association is a nexus point for all the issues, factors, and organizations that will have an impact on New Jersey’s veterinarians. For more information, go to www.njvma.org