Bill > HB06267

This bill prohibits the surgical practice of declawing cats, which is defined as any surgical procedure that amputates or modifies a portion of a cat's paw to remove its claws, including a tendonectomy that impairs the normal functioning of a cat's claws. The bill applies to all cats (defined as any animal in the taxonomic family Felidae) and makes it illegal to surgically alter a cat's toes, claws, or paws in a way that prevents or impairs their normal function. The only exception to this prohibition is for a "therapeutic purpose," which is strictly defined as a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring medical condition that threatens the cat's health, and explicitly does not include cosmetic or convenience-related procedures. Violations of this law will result in escalating civil penalties: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second violation, and $2,500 for third or subsequent violations. The law will be enforceable by the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and any municipality, and is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Environment Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06267&which_year=2025