2008 News & Legislative Milestones
June 22, 2008—A California Appellate Court decision upholds the West Hollywood declaw ban. The legality of the ordinance had been challenged in a 2005 lawsuit by the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the declaw ban was overturned in California Superior Court in November 2005. The West Hollywood City Council voted to appeal the lower Court ruling. The Paw Project is especially grateful to Orly Degani, founder of Los Angeles Lawyers for Animals, who co-authored the ordinance and provided pro bono representation for the City of West Hollywood – and the animals - in this successful legal battle.
2008 Events, Highlights & Milestones
November 20, 2008—Tuffy the bobcat gets his feet examined and they appear to be much better than before.
October 2, 2008—Zena, a female tiger, has her back feet repaired. All four of her feet have been repaired now.
August 14, 2008—Phoenix, a young male serval at Forever Wild, was found walking around in the street on painful feet. It was surmised that he was dumped after a botched declaw. His front right paw was repaired and he is recovering nicely.
May 29, 2008—Oscar, a 3-year-old spotted leopard who was a prop in a Las Vegas magic act, was declawed as a baby. When his feet were hurting too much for him to participate in the act anymore, his owner decided to have him killed. but Forever Wild rescued him and brought him in for paw repair surgery.
May 1, 2008—Zorro gets his back feet repaired. His front feet look great and he has gained weight and Forever Wild reports that he is much better and happier.
March 20, 2008— Jade, an eight year old female tiger has her front left paw repaired. She will require repair surgery to treat her other feet.
February 28, 2008—Tuffy, a thirteen year old bobcat at STAR Eco Station in Culver City, California, was declawed as a baby to be someone's illegal pet. He has had difficulty walking ever since. His paws were retreated after earlier paw repair surgery.
January 17, 2008—Brian, a black leopard from Forever Wild has his front paws repaired. Brain was brought to California after being saved from being a trophy in a canned hunt in Texas. Brian is much happier now.