Statement on the declawing of large felines

Statement from Massimo Bergamini, Executive Director of Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums on the matter of declawing of large felines.

OTTAWA, Sept. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - "Yesterday, we learned through social media that one of our accredited members, the Bowmanville Zoo, had planned to declaw one or more large cats in their collection.

Legitimate concerns were expressed online about the appropriateness of the practice, and questions were raised about whether our organization supported it, and whether it had policies on this question. 

We took those concerns very seriously and immediately looked into the matter. We thank those individuals that took the time to bring them to our attention. 

We are pleased that the Bowmanville Zoo, in a manner consistent with its role as a leading institution within Canada's accredited zoo and aquarium community, also took note of the concerns expressed and today announced that it planned to discontinue the practice. 

CAZA's policies, guidelines and standards all have the welfare of the animals in the care of our accredited members at their core and our members are expected to abide by the highest accepted standards of animal husbandry, including adopting the practices of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. 

To the best of our knowledge, this was not a practice our organization had been confronted with in the recent past and as such, it does not, at this time, have a formal policy on the matter. This gap will be addressed".

SOURCE: Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)

Massimo Bergamini, 613 290 5317, [email protected]