Bill > S0180

This bill prohibits veterinarians and other individuals from performing declawing procedures on cats, which is defined as any surgical amputation or modification of a cat's paw to remove its claws, including a specific procedure called a tendonectomy where the tendons are cut to impair claw function. The bill carefully defines key terms, distinguishing between non-invasive nail care (like trimming or applying temporary nail caps) and surgical alterations. While the procedure is broadly banned, the law includes an important exception for therapeutic purposes, which are strictly defined as medically necessary treatments for existing or recurring health conditions affecting the cat's claws, nail bed, or toe bone. The bill explicitly states that cosmetic or convenience-based procedures are not considered therapeutic. Violations of this prohibition will be prosecuted according to existing animal cruelty statutes, and the law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving veterinary professionals and cat owners time to adjust to the new restrictions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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