A new study from the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) has presented findings that declaw bans do not lead to increases in shelter intakes or euthanasia for felines. One of our newest faculty members, Dr. Emilia Gordon, DVM, DABVP, was a contributing researcher on the study.
The research team analyzed six years of data, including three years of data collected prior to a declawing ban in British Columbia. The notable findings are:
- No significant difference in surrender of destructive scratching
- A decrease of cats entering shelter systems along with a decrease in euthanasia
- Cats spend less time awaiting adoptions
To read the full study: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1098612X211043820
Dr. Gordon serves as the Senior Manager, Animal Health for the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals where she provides animal health support, training, and oversight to 36 sheltering branches province-wide. She also teaches veterinary students, participates in community partnerships and outreach, and volunteers with several groups focused on animal welfare, One Health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary medicine.