Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics that state lawmakers sent a bill to the governor's desk June 4 banning the declawing of cats in the state. “Cat declawing is a brutal procedure similar to severing a human finger at the first knuckle and has lifelong ramifications for cats,” said Sen. Mike Gianaris. “I am proud of the Senate’s emphasis on animal welfare and I am pleased we passed this important proposal.” New Jersey lawmakers passed a similar bill earlier this year. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.