Bill > SF1935

This bill prohibits the elective declawing of cats in Minnesota, defining declawing as a surgical procedure that amputates or modifies a portion of a cat's paw to remove its claws. The bill clearly distinguishes between elective and therapeutic procedures, allowing declawing only when medically necessary to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition that threatens the cat's health. The legislation explicitly states that cosmetic or convenience-related reasons are not valid justifications for the procedure. Additionally, the bill outlaws tendonectomies, which involve cutting or modifying tendons to impair claw function. Violations of this prohibition are subject to escalating civil penalties: $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses. These penalties can be pursued through civil action by county attorneys or the state attorney general. The bill also clarifies that routine claw maintenance like trimming or applying temporary nail caps is not considered declawing.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1935&ssn=0&y=2025