Ronald Scott Semmens

I am writing to express my strong support for HB 201, a bill that seeks to ban the declawing of cats except in cases of medical necessity. It is imperative that the state of New Hampshire takes action to protect our feline companions from this inhumane practice. Currently, it is legal for cat owners to request declawing, a procedure that involves amputating the last digits of a cat's front paws. This is not merely the removal of the claws, as the term "declawing" might suggest. In human terms, it would be akin to having our fingertips amputated at the top knuckle. Such a drastic measure would severely impair our ability to perform everyday tasks. Similarly, cats rely on their claws for essential functions such as using the litter box, stretching, and marking their territory. The opportunity to protect cats from this cruel procedure is now before us. HB 201 would prohibit veterinarians from performing declaw surgeries unless it is medically necessary for the cat's health and well-being, rather than for the convenience of the owner. I urge you to support this bill and help ensure the humane treatment of cats in New Hampshire.