The state of New York is now the first state in the United States of America to ban Cat Declawing, which has been considered as a “cruel” and “painful” procedure.

Andrew Cuomo, a governor in New York, signed a bill that banned the procedure of declawing cats.

Declawing of cats will only be allowed for medical reasons, said Governor Cuomo.

During a press release, Governor Cuomo said, “Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that can create physical and behavioral problems for helpless animals, and today it stops. By banning this archaic practice, we will ensure that animals are no longer subjected to these inhumane and unnecessary procedures.”

For those who do not know, Declawing is a type of procedure that removes or partially amputates the bones of the cat’s front feet.

The procedure is famous in the country.

Usually, pet owners choose the procedure so cats can stop scratching owners or protect their furniture or other household materials from getting damaged.

The bill that was signed by Governor Cuomo says that the procedure can only be used if the pet cats are in severe pain, have any psychological disorders, or are diagnosed with arthritis.

Declawing cats is not allowed in a number of cities in California, but New York is the first state that has placed a statewide ban on the procedure.

But the bill has been opposed by the New York State Veterinary Medical Society.

The society said that declawing of cats should be allowed in cases such as if owners have a weak immune system.

People who have a weak immune system have a higher risk of getting an infection from a small scratch.

In a memo that was put out by the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, they said, “Medical decisions should be left to the sound discretion of fully trained, licensed and state supervised professionals.”

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) loved the new law that was signed by Governor Cuomo.

They tweeted:

VICTORY! It's now illegal to declaw cats in the state of #NewYork! 🙌

Declawing is a painful & unnecessary mutilation. RETWEET if you want ALL states to ban it! #BanDeclawing pic.twitter.com/LZAMG7TrvQ

— PETA (@peta) July 22, 2019

Declawing, better known as onychectomy, is not allowed in a number of countries in Europe, which includes Switzerland and Britain.

In the new ban, people who are caught violating the law could face fines of up to $1,000.