A 1180 New Jersey General Assembly · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Prohibits surgical declawing of cats and other animals.

This bill would prohibit surgical declawing (onychectomy) or flexor tendonectomy procedures on cats or other animals, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it's medically necessary for the animal's health. The law specifically bans declawing for cosmetic reasons or convenience, allowing exceptions only for conditions like infections, injuries, or diseases affecting the animal's claws. Veterinarians must document such procedures with the Department of Health and provide a copy to the pet owner, with failure to comply resulting in disciplinary action. Violations would be punishable by civil penalties of $500-$2,000 or criminal charges including fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jan 9, 2024
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Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
lower
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

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