Board advances ordinance banning cat declawing after state law shortened local window to act

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted in first reading on Nov. 3 to ban surgical declawing of cats, an action proponents called necessary to prevent what they described as an unnecessary and cruel medical practice.

Supervisor Mercarimi, the measure's author, told colleagues the city's earlier decisions and local animal-welfare commission findings supported a ban and said a state law (referred to in the meeting as Senate Bill 762) narrowed the timeframe for cities to adopt local bans. He called the legislation "the right thing" and thanked advocates and animal-welfare commissioners who worked on the proposal.

Supervisor Duffy, a co-sponsor, said the legislation addresses a practice he called unnecessary and cruel and noted the city’s shelter system already had been affected by cat population dynamics. Duffy said shelter data show roughly three cats in the shelter system for every dog, and he urged expanding trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs and spay/neuter outreach to reduce shelter intake over time.

The board approved the ordinance in first reading; the clerk announced the vote as nine ayes and two noes. The transcript identifies Supervisor Ellsberg as voting no on the item. The ordinance includes medical exemptions as described by supporters; the final ordinance language and any effective date will be established through the normal ordinance-adoption process.

Proponents stressed implementation steps beyond the ban, including expanded spay/neuter and TNR programs to reduce shelter intake and avoid unintended increases in shelter euthanasia. Supervisors said they would continue to work with the Department of Animal Care and Control on implementation and outreach to veterinary providers and the public.

Outcome: Ordinance passed its first reading with the clerk announcing 9 ayes and 2 noes; further readings or transmittal steps are required for final adoption.