I am totally against mutilation of any animal for appearance or convenience sake, including the docking of dogs tails and sheep's tails, ear clipping and all the other dreadful things we animal lovers do for (read TO) our pets. It is illegal in Australia thank goodness, and I personally have never come acroos a de-clawed cat. I have met plenty of canines though who have been 'prettied up'! the only time an animal should be altered is when it is totally for the creatures benefit
By the way what on earth are 'softclaws'?