New York State lawmakers are advancing a bill that would ban the declawing of cats.
The Assembly's agricultural committee passed the measure, which supporters have called a sign of positive momentum.
Some advocates say declawing is inhumane, given the procedure involves amputating a cat's toes back to the first knuckle. That said, New York's largest veterinarian association opposes a potential ban, saying declawing should remain an option for cats that refuse to stop scratching.