HARTFORD, Conn. -- A unique bill has been proposed that, if passed, would make Connecticut the first state to make it illegal to de-claw cats, except in cases of medical necessity.

A hearing was held Friday to review the bill, which would prohibit state veterinarians from removing the claws of domestic cats. Supporters of the bills claim that the process of de-clawing cats is inhumane.

However, Eva Ceranowicz, president of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, said the de-clawing process is not inhumane. "We are using anesthesia. Those animals are well taken care of." Ceranowicz said within a few days of the procedure the cats are able to use their feet normally.

Ceranowicz went to the hearing held on Friday to oppose the bill. She said if the bill passes, state shelters will be overwhelmed with cats, since many pet owners de-claw their animals to protect their homes and themselves. She also said that for some with diabetes, having pets with claws can be dangerous to their health if they're ever scratched.

"You take away our ability to do that for people, it will result in cats being gotten rid of. If you [lived] where de-clawing is not allowed, such as Germany, they've shown there [is a] high percentage of cats gotten rid of, because not every cat can be trained to your scratching post," said Ceranowicz.

However, Debby Adams supports the bill. At the hearing she argued that cats need their claws to survive. She said that if they ever get lost or sneak outside they need their claws to defend themselves.

"You're not just removing the cat's claw, your amputating the bone down to the first joint, which would be removing the tops of your fingers if you're a human being," said Adams.