An Arizona proposed bill that bans the declawing of cats has passed an Arizona House committee and will move on to be considered for the full House consideration.

HB 2224 would ban pet owners from declawing their cats. The proposed bill would impose fines on any veterinarian that performs the procedure unless it is for therapeutic purposes. The bill passed the Government and Elections Committee with a 10-3 approval after several veterinarians gave testimony that the practice, once considered routine, is unnecessary.

The declawing of cats involves the surgical removal of the third bone, or what is considered to be the first “knuckle” of a cat’s toes. The procedure has been condemned by the Humane Society and the ASPCA as an unnecessary treatment.

“With all the research and science that we have accumulated on this topic, it is cruel, it is mutilation, and it needs to stop,” said Arizona State Representative Amish Shah.

Those in support of the bill feel the procedure is cruel and inhumane.

The bill of course has been met with some criticism of those saying it is the right of the owner to decide if they want the procedure done.

There is additional concern from some that not being able to declaw cats might dissuade some people from adopting them.

The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.