California Bans Cat Declawing — New Animal Protection Laws in 2026
Multiple US states enact groundbreaking animal protection legislation, with California leading the way by banning cat declawing except for medical necessity.
California has officially banned cat declawing as of January 1, 2026, unless the procedure is deemed medically necessary. The law recognizes declawing as a procedure that causes pain and serious long-term harm to cats.
Florida has enacted a new law making it a crime to abandon pets or leave them tied up outside during natural disasters, addressing a recurring problem during hurricane season.
Washington D.C. passed the 'Pets in Housing Act,' improving housing access for residents with pets by banning discriminatory pet policies and launching D.C.'s first pet-friendly homeless shelter.
Prince George's County in Maryland repealed a decades-old ordinance that prohibited certain dog breeds, joining a growing movement against breed-specific legislation across the US.
Original Source
Humane World for Animals
