West Hollywood appeals cat declaw decision

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. - 4/6/06 - The city of West Hollywood is appealing a Superior Court ruling that favored the California Veterinary Medical Association's (CVMA) lawsuit to overturn the municipality's 2003 cat declaw ban.

It's the latest move in an ongoing battle concerning the city ordinance that attempts to bar veterinarians from performing declaw procedures within city limits. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Bascue's Nov. 30 ruling backed CVMA's assertion that local ordinances cannot supersede professionals' state-granted rights to practice within the scope of their licenses. The ruling also affirms the authority of the state's regulatory framework and the powers of the state consumer protection boards, CVMA officials say.

CVMA Executive Director Valerie Fenstermaker does not expect a decision on whether or not the court will hear the appeal before the end of the year. The Superior Court order to rescind the ban is stayed until there is a ruling, she says.

West Hollywood's Hernan Molina, deputy to the mayor, did not return phone calls seeking comment by presstime.