New Law Is Cat's Meow.

• Position: NEW YORK - Declawing of cats now banned in New York

New York is the first state to ban the declawing of cats, a procedure that has saved many a cat owner's furniture but that advocates say can be cruel and painful. The measure was opposed by a veterinarians' group, which views declawing as "a medical decision, not a legislative decision." Vets who perform the procedure for nonmedical purposes now face a $1,000 fine. "It's a wonderful day for the cats of the state and the people...