New York could become the first state to ban the declawing of cats.

According to CBS 2 in Albany, the state legislature is expected to take up the bill this week. Declawing is illegal in much of Europe as well as in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver.

Animal rights advocates say declawing is a barbaric practice because it requires amputating part of the toe up to the first knuckle.

The New York State Veterinary Medical Society opposes the legislation. In a memo, the Society says declawing should remain an option under certain circumstances, and that decision should be left to licensed and state-supervised veterinarians.

If the bill becomes law, violations could result in a $1,000 fine. Veterinarians could still perform the procedure if required due to injury or infection.

The bill's sponsor, a Manhattan Democrat, predicts that if the bill passes other states will follow New York's lead.

If both houses in the legislature pass the bill, it heads to Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. He has not publicly weighed in on the bill.