The presented decree is a royal proclamation banning the declawing of cats throughout the realm unless for legitimate medical reasons. Enforcing penalties for offenders, this decree aims to uphold animal welfare, particularly focusing on the welfare of cats. An elaborate framework has been introduced comprising of a prohibition and penalty structure, defining terminologies, outlining preventative and educational measures, providing for rehabilitation and animal welfare support, integrating a review mechanism, and establishing enactment and enforcement provisions. The decree calls for stringent action against violations and encourages education and awareness about the ill effects of declawing. It also ensures aid for the care and rehabilitation of declawed cats. This decree is an effort towards ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and respecting the dignity of all life forms.
By the Grace of God,
We MAXIMILIAN,
Prince of Kaharagia, etc.,
WHEREAS, We bear the solemn duty and royal prerogative to ensure the welfare of all beings residing within Our realm;
And WHEREAS, We recognize the inherent right of our animal companions, particularly our feline charges, to reside free from unnecessary harm and mutilation;
And WHEREAS, the act of declawing cats, save for legitimate medical reasons, inflicts undue suffering and compromises the well-being of these creatures, which is not in keeping with the benevolent character of Our realm;
And ACKNOWLEDGING that it falls upon Us to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, honouring the dignity and integrity of all life forms, consistent with the customs, traditions, and laws governing Our realm;
Now, THEREFORE, We, in Our Sovereign capacity, having considered these factors and with the authority vested in Us, do hereby decree as follows:
Article I: Prohibition and Penalties
1.1 The declawing of cats, save for legitimate medical reasons, is hereby banned throughout the realm. Any person found to have declawed a cat, or to have caused a cat to be declawed, save for legitimate medical reasons, shall be held accountable.
1.2 The transgressor shall be subject to a severe fine of $10,000. Furthermore, any person found guilty of declawing a cat shall be prohibited from owning or caring for any animals in their dwelling or residence for a period of ten years.
1.3 Transgressors may also face a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, to be determined at the discretion of Our courts.
1.4 Any further infringements of this decree shall be adjudicated by the courts of law, and the punishment for such violations shall be at the discretion of the judges hearing the case.
Article II: Definitions and Clarifications
2.1 For the purposes of this decree, ‘declawing’ shall be defined as the surgical removal of all or part of a cat’s claws by any method or procedure that is not deemed necessary for a legitimate medical reason.
2.2 Legitimate medical reasons are strictly defined as those involving direct health threats to the cat that can be remedied or alleviated through declawing, as determined by a licensed veterinary professional.
Article III: Preventative Measures and Education
3.1 The Crown encourages education and awareness about animal welfare and the harm caused by declawing. Public initiatives to disseminate knowledge on this matter and promote responsible pet ownership shall be implemented.
3.2 Veterinarians are urged to educate pet owners about the detrimental effects of declawing and the alternatives available to manage feline behaviour.
Article IV: Rehabilitation and Animal Welfare
4.1 The Crown shall ensure provisions for the care and rehabilitation of cats that have been subject to declawing. This includes the support of animal welfare organisations, sanctuaries, and clinics that adhere to the principles of humane treatment.
4.2 Such establishments shall be provided with adequate resources to facilitate their mission and, where possible, transgressors may be mandated to financially contribute to the care and rehabilitation of affected animals as part of their penalties.
Article V: Review Mechanism
5.1 This decree shall be reviewed every five years by a committee appointed by the Crown. This committee shall consist of legal professionals, veterinary experts, and animal welfare advocates.
5.2 The committee shall evaluate the effectiveness of the decree, taking into account current scientific knowledge, societal attitudes, and animal welfare standards, and shall propose amendments as necessary.
Article VI: Enactment and Enforcement
6.1 This decree shall take effect immediately upon its promulgation.
6.2 All subjects of the realm, court officials, and servants of the Crown shall adhere to this decree.
6.3 Failure to respect the regulations herein established shall be considered an affront to the Crown and may result in additional punishment under the laws of our realm.
6.4 The enforcement of this decree shall rest with the relevant authorities and the Crown to uphold all rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities herein defined.
GIVEN under Our Hand and the Great Seal of Our Principality, at Our Court in Detroit, This 30th day of March, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Three, and the Thirteenth of Our reign.