California lawmakers protect tenants’ pets from declawing requirements

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California landlords would face fines if they require tenants to have their cats declawed or their dogs devocalized under legislation approved Friday by state lawmakers and sent to Gov. Jerry Brown.

The measure backed by animal-rights groups including the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn. also prohibits landlords who allow pets in their building from advertising in a way that discourages renters who have cats with claws and dogs that can bark, or refusing to rent to people who don’t declaw their cats.

The district attorney or city attorney can sue landlords who violate the new law and can seek a civil penalty of $1,000, under SB 1229 by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills).

‘Pressuring pet owners to subject their pets to the risks of permanently damaging procedures is unnecessary, expensive and just plain wrong,” Pavley said.

A group called the Animal Council opposed the bill, telling legislators in a letter that ‘other tenants and outside neighbors hear dogs’ noise and may be greatly disturbed.’

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-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento