New York may become the first state to ban declawing cats, after the state Legislature passed a bill yesterday (June 4th) that will make it illegal. The measure would fine veterinarians $1,000 for doing the procedure. Representatives for Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo said he will review the bill before deciding if he'll sign it. Animal welfare advocates and some veterinarians say declawing is cruel and barbaric, and it's illegal in much of Europe, as well as in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver. The New York State Veterinary Medical Society had opposed the bill, however, saying that declawing should be allowed as a last resort for cats that won't stop scratching furniture or people, or when an owner has a weakened immune system that puts them at greater risk of infection from a scratch.