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HB 6287

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE DECLAWING OF CATS EXCEPT WHEN MEDICALLY NECESSARY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Menapace and 1 co-sponsor

HB 6287 bans non-medically necessary cat declawing; only a licensed veterinarian may approve the procedure when medically necessary, protecting cats from elective claw removal.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
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Bill Summary · HB 6287

Summary of HB 6287 — An Act Prohibiting the Declawing of Cats Except When Medically Necessary

Overview

HB 6287 would prohibit the declawing of cats unless the procedure is medically necessary. The bill is currently designated as “REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment,” indicating it has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment for consideration. It was introduced on January 23, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • To ban non-medically necessary declawing of cats within the state.
  • To promote animal welfare by restricting elective surgical procedures that remove a cat’s claws.
  • To establish that declawing may only occur under circumstances deemed medically necessary by a licensed veterinarian.

Key Provisions (as described by the bill’s title and status)

  • Prohibition: The bill would prohibit declawing surgeries for cats when such procedures are not medically necessary.
  • Medical Necessity Exception: Declawing would be allowed only if a licensed veterinarian determines there is a medical necessity for the procedure.
    • The exact criteria for “medical necessity” would be defined in the text of the bill or accompanying regulations (not provided in the summary).
  • Definition of Declawing: The term generally refers to surgical removal of claws; the bill would specify what constitutes declawing (and potentially related procedures such as partial claw removal). The precise definitional language is not included in the information provided.
  • Alternatives: The summary does not specify required alternatives or supportive measures (e.g., nail trimming, deterrents, or use of nail caps). Any such requirements would appear in the full bill text.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Cats: The primary subject; protections aimed at preventing elective claw removal.
  • Owners/Guardians: Individuals who would normally seek declawing for their cats; they would be restricted to medically necessary cases.
  • Veterinarians and Clinics: Professionals who perform feline surgical procedures would need to adhere to the prohibition and evaluate medical necessity in each case.
  • Animal Welfare Advocates: Likely stakeholders who may support stronger protections against elective declawing.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced January 23, 2025; REFERRED to Joint Committee on Environment.
  • Next Steps: The bill would undergo committee review, potential amendments, and vote in committee, followed by progression through the legislative process as determined by the jurisdiction’s rules and timelines.

Notes

  • Specific definitions, exceptions, enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and effective date are not provided in the information given. The final text of HB 6287 will clarify these elements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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