The New York State Legislature has passed a bill that would make the state the first in the U.S. to ban cat declawing operations although several cities have outlawed the practice.
The bill would fine veterinarians to $1,000 for performing the procedure. Declawing involves amputating a cat's toes back to the first knuckle.
It now goes to the desk of Governor Andrew Cuomo who hasn't said whether or not he'll sign it into law. The State Assembly passed the bill early this morning and the State Senate passed it late this afternoon
Declawing a cat is illegal in much of Europe along with Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver.
Animal welfare advocates supported the bill. They argue that declawing an animal is cruel and barbaric. Opponents include the New York Veterinary Society who stated that it should be allowed in some cases as a last resort.