Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill July 22 banning the practice of declawing cats in New York. Those for the measure, the first in the nation, say declawing requires the removal of most or all of the last bone of each of the toes of the front feet, plus tendons, nerves, and ligaments. Some cats never walk the same, and have trouble maintaining balance. “Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that can create physical and behavioral problems for helpless animals, and today it stops,” Cuomo said. “By banning this archaic practice, we will ensure that animals are no longer subjected to these inhumane and unnecessary procedures.” Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.