In some countries such as Great Britain and Germany, declawing except for medical reasons is illegal on grounds of cruelty. Procedures done to correct or prevent so-called vices are unacceptable because they are usually done in lieu of correcting deficiencies in the animals' environment caused by human influences. In the cat fancier community, many owners are strongly opposed to declawing. Because of post operative discomfort or pain, and potential future behavioral or physical effects, CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery. Trying to achieve behavior modification with surgery is inhumane, and usually leads to even worse behavior.
Ferrets use their front paws like little hands to grasp, groom, and dislodge food particles.
I have heard horrifying accounts of 'bad' ferret declaw procedures. In an improper ferret declaw, the nails will grow astray and protrude out in any number of directions, hindering the way the ferret walks. Ferrets with their elongated torsos and bad hips already face problems with arthritis. Ms. Drakiotes, who is director of the only all-ferret facility officially recognized as a Humane Society, and also LIFE's shelter coordinator, notes that declawed cats turned into animal shelters are less likely to find new homes. In my area, humane shelters report that the declawed ones have poor litterbox habits and tend to be distraught or biters.