Ok, well I took the time to read this whole thread.
Interesting opinions I must say.

Well, I guess ill post mine now .

Ok here it go's. Unless you are breeding in a proper fashion, in MY opinion cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered. I may be wrong in saying this, but firstly. I do not think the average owner has the personal right, not to spay or neuter their animal. Why you may ask? Because from my observation and experience a vast majority of the cats and dogs that have been sent to the SPCA are animals that could not have been given away or sold in a suitable amount of time. Or animals that have been abandoned or given away for other personal reasons. Secondly, when you dont spay or neuter your animals, heres what might happen. The first generation of animals are born unspayed/uneutered, they live their lives fine, make alot of little babies, what a nice life. Now this generation of animals arent spayed and neutered either, while the first generation of cats are STILL alive and young, the second generation are having babies too. This endless cycle go's on and on, and pretty soon, there would just be way to many animals, and not enough people that want animals. Hense, they are all captured, attempted to sell, and since everyone already has a cat or dog, or maybe both, they arent going to want another. Poor little kitty gets put down along with all its brothers and sisters.

You see?

As for declawing, im not saying its right. But if its absolutely nessicary, and if the cat were just to be put down otherwise? Then id say declaw it.