On December 5th, 2023 the Tacoma City Council passed a new law prohibiting the declawing of cats. Ordinance # 28923 amends Tacoma Municipal Code 17.02.155 by adding a new section on “Cat declawing” and prohibits partial or full declawing. Known by its medical term onychectomy, declawing is a serious medical procedure that has lingering effects on the animal.
The City carves out an exception to the prohibition, though. If the procedure is medically necessary it can be performed, but under no circumstances can it be done for cosmetic reasons or to make it more convenient for an owner to keep or handle a cat. Violations are punishable with a civil fine of $250, and apply to the person performing the surgery. The City Council worked closely with the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, and the new law was supported by the PAW Project, the ASPCA, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and more.
Tacoma is the first jurisdiction in the state to prohibit onychectomy, but joins other cities such as Los Angeles, Denver and Austin in outlawing the practice. Seattle Municipal Code does not prohibit declawing and it is not listed as an offense related to cruelty under Seattle Municipal Code 9.25.081. Note that Tacoma has designated violations of the declawing statute as civil offenses charged against veterinarians. Violations of SMC 9.25.081 result in criminal (misdemeanor) charges against the owner.