Once again animal advocates are trying to save cats' toes with a proposed declawing ban in San Francisco. And once again, veterinarians, led this time by Dr. Richard Spickard, the President of the San Francisco Veterinarian Medical Association, are presenting the tired old argument that declawing is often necessary to save the life of the cat. These veterinarians would have you believe that routine declawing is done more often to protect immunocompromised cat owners than to protect furniture and carpeting from damage.

Dr. Spickard opines that people should be able to make informed decisions.
Unfortunately, veterinarians who voluntarily disclose the full story on declawing are in the minority.
He states that there is a "safe" alternative - namely laser surgery.
Laser surgery provides no long-term guarantees against the crippling effect of cats forced to alter their gait because of being deprived of the full length of their toes.

Richard Spickard, D.M.V. asks that you contact Supervisor Sandoval and make your voice heard. I second that request. Read Dr. Spickard's arguments for declawing. Then read the following:

Declawing and Humane Alternatives

Declawing as Seen by a Shelter Volunteer

So You're Thinking of Getting Your Cat Declawed?

THEN post your views to Supervisor Sandoval, after reading both sides of the story so that you can voice a truly informed opinion.