In a city known for its progressive stands on social issues, officials are championing the rights of a different breed of residents–cats.
They want the city to become the first in the nation to ban declawing.
If the City Council approves the ban as expected Tuesday, West Hollywood would join 13 European nations that have outlawed the procedure condemned by many as inhumane because it involves cutting off part of the animal’s toes.
The operation is performed on thousands of cats every year mainly to protect people and furniture from slashing.
Among the supporters of the ban is “Golden Girls” actress Bea Arthur.
“I’ve lived with cats for many years and would never dream of subjecting them to this needless, painful mutilation,” Arthur wrote in a letter to the City Council.
West Hollywood cat owner Karl Sowa opposes the ban. He said saving his Himalayan cat Teufel from the pound gave him the right to declaw it. “If we had to make some accommodations to protect our couch, I think that’s OK because he has a good home,” Sowa said.
