Veterinarians in New York State are split over a proposal in Albany that would ban the declawing of cats.

Some Veterinarians say the practice, which involves amputating part of a cat's toe, is cruel, painful and unnecessary.

Other vets say the practice actually saves the lives of some cats whose owners would otherwise have them put down because of their scratching behavior.

The Associated Press reports the anti-declawing bill sponsor in the Assembly, Linda Rosenthal (D, Manhattan) says the procedure is falling out of favor as more cat owners are educated about what declawing actually involves.

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