Animal cruelty: declawing.

Existing law prohibits a person from performing, or otherwise procuring or arranging for the performance of, surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy on any cat that is a member of an exotic or native wild cat species. Existing law also prohibits a person from otherwise altering such a cat's toes, claws, or paws to prevent the normal function of the cat's toes, claws, or paws. Except as specified, a person who violates these prohibitions is guilty of a misdemeanor. This bill would make the protections of that prohibition applicable to domestic cats, as defined. The bill would make a violation of these prohibitions with a domestic cat an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 for a first offense, and as a misdemeanor for a 2nd or subsequent offense. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.