Bill > HB1716

This bill prohibits the declawing of cats in Pennsylvania, making it illegal for anyone to perform surgical procedures that remove or disable a cat's claws, such as onychectomy, partial digital amputation, phalangectomy, or tendonectomy, except when a licensed veterinarian determines the procedure is medically necessary for a therapeutic purpose. The bill defines a therapeutic purpose as addressing a specific physical medical condition that compromises the cat's health, explicitly excluding cosmetic or convenience-related reasons. If a veterinarian determines that a declawing procedure is medically necessary, they must file a detailed written statement with the local animal control agency within 10 business days, including the cat's identification, pathology report, and owner information. The bill clarifies that routine actions like trimming a nonviable claw husk or applying a temporary nail cap are not considered declawing. Violations will be prosecuted under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, and the law will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a clear legal framework to protect cats from unnecessary and potentially harmful surgical procedures.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1716