Bill > SB252

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations regarding the declawing of cats in Ohio, defining several key terms and prohibiting most surgical procedures that permanently alter a cat's claws or paws. Specifically, the bill defines "onychectomy" as any procedure that amputates or disables a cat's claws, and explicitly prohibits performing such procedures except in very limited circumstances. Veterinarians may only perform these procedures for a genuine "therapeutic purpose," which means addressing a specific medical condition that compromises the cat's health, and not for cosmetic or convenience reasons. When a veterinarian does perform such a procedure for medical reasons, they must file a detailed written report with the state veterinary medical licensing board within ten business days, including information about the cat, the medical condition, and the owner. Violations of the declawing prohibition will result in escalating civil penalties: $1,000 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense, and $2,500 for third and subsequent offenses. The bill allows individuals to challenge these penalties through an administrative hearing process, ensuring due process for those potentially accused of violating the law.