California has officially banned cat declawing unless deemed medically necessary, following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of the legislation. The move has been applauded by animal welfare groups and lawmakers, joining other states like New York and Maryland in creating a ban on the controversial practice. Declawing, also known as Onychectomy, has been criticized for its invasive nature, long-term pain implications, and links to chronic discomfort.

The practice, which involves amputating toe bones or severing tendons, has been widely condemned by animal advocates and veterinary professionals. Despite being a common procedure in North America and Canada, there has been little standardization of technique and tools, increasing the risk of poor patient outcomes. Additionally, California has also taken action on the 'underground' puppy trade, aiming to increase transparency when purchasing companion animals and crack down on unethical mass breeders and resellers.