A ban is proposed for the surgical procedures, that change the physical state of an animal without any medical purpose. The ban doesn’t apply to neutering and a number of other procedures.
According to the newspaper, some animal hospitals still perform mutilating procedures presenting them as cosmetic surgeries.
This implies such procedures, as onychectomy (surgical removal of claws in cats) or tendonectomy (when the tendon that controls the claw in each toe is severed, which renders the cat unable to extend its claws). Such procedures are usually carried out at the request of the owners, trying to avoid their pets spoiling of furniture.
The Russian Association of Veterinary Practitioners explained that the removal of the distal phalanx in cats leads to the entire locomotor control system dysfunction. This procedure causes constant pain in paws; the animal experiences decrease in balance, changes in manner of movement, and weakening of back and paw muscles.
However, there are cases when declawing is necessary. For instance, such conditions as long-standing fungal infection or ingrown nails, which require surgery.
Under current law on responsible treatment of animals, only surgeries without anesthetics are prohibited, says the newspaper. The draft, introduced by the deputies of the Moscow City Duma, adds a ban on surgical procedures on animals unless they are carried out for the purposes of medical treatment. This ban should apply nationwide.
Reminder: the first version of the draft has been submitted to the State Duma at the end of March 2021. However, the initiative was not supported by the government, as such procedures are qualified as cruelty to animals, and are already prohibited under current legislation (No.498-FZ).
