Not too many animal welfare issues make it to the Supreme Court, but that is where we will find California’s Proposition 12 today. Proposition 12 is in the spotlight more because of its implications for interstate commerce than for what it means for animal welfare per se, but it’s a big deal on both fronts.
Following Pittsburgh’s ban on declawing cats passed in late 2021, Allentown this year has also banned the practice ($500 fine for violations). The vote in the city council was unanimous. Allentown has recently become one of the state’s leaders in animal protection, after banning puppy/kitten/bunny mill sales in October of 2022 ($600 fine for violations).