(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – There’s a bill being considered by Illinois lawmakers that would make it illegal to declaw cats.

“It’s very hurtful for the animal, and it’s something that I don’t think anyone should ever go through,” Illinois State Rep. Barbara Hernandez said.

Hernandez, a Democrat from Aurora, said cats need their claws for protection, their identity, their existence, and her bill would ban declawing and impose fines. And, she said cats can learn.

“We just need to train them that hey  there’s other items you can scratch, however stay away from the furniture,” said Hernadez.

Hernandez added that if potential cat owners are so worried about cats tearing up their furniture, maybe they’re not “cat people” after all.

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