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AB 867

Veterinary medicine: cat declawing.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse Arreguín and 4 co-sponsors

AB 867 restricts cat declawing in California to therapeutic purposes only, enhancing feline welfare and holding veterinarians accountable for non-compliance.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 479, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 867

Summary of AB 867: Veterinary Medicine - Cat Declawing

Bill Overview

Bill Number: AB 867
Title: Veterinary medicine: cat declawing
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 479, Statutes of 2025
Introduced: February 19, 2025
Author: Assemblymember Lee
Classification: Bill
Subject: Veterinary medicine, cat declawing

Purpose and Intent

AB 867 aims to regulate the practice of declawing cats in California by defining specific conditions under which such procedures can be performed. The bill seeks to ensure that claw removal procedures, including tendonectomy and onychectomy, are only conducted for therapeutic purposes, thereby protecting feline health and welfare.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Procedures: The bill includes tendonectomy, onychectomy, and any type of claw removal on a feline as part of veterinary medicine practices.
  • Therapeutic Purpose Requirement: These procedures can only be performed for a "therapeutic purpose," which is defined as a medically necessary action to address existing health issues such as infections or injuries. Cosmetic or convenience-based procedures are explicitly prohibited.
  • Licensing and Penalties: The California Veterinary Medical Board is authorized to deny, revoke, or suspend veterinary licenses or registrations, or impose fines for performing these procedures outside of the defined therapeutic context.
  • Exemption for Owners: The bill clarifies that the exemption allowing pet owners to perform veterinary procedures on their own animals does not apply to the specified claw removal procedures.
  • Local Ordinance Preemption: The bill specifies that it does not preempt local ordinances that were adopted before January 1, 2026, which may further restrict declawing practices.
  • State-Mandated Local Program: Violations of the provisions outlined in the bill would be considered a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishing a state-mandated local program.

Impact

  • Veterinarians: The bill will directly affect veterinarians in California, as they will be required to adhere to stricter guidelines regarding declawing procedures.
  • Pet Owners: Cat owners will no longer be able to opt for declawing for non-therapeutic reasons, promoting better animal welfare practices.
  • Local Governments: Local jurisdictions may need to review existing ordinances in light of this new state law, particularly those related to animal welfare and veterinary practices.

Procedural Timeline

  • 2025-10-09: Approved by the Governor and chaptered into law.
  • 2025-09-16: Enrolled and presented to the Governor.
  • 2025-09-08: Passed in the Senate and ordered to the Assembly.
  • 2025-06-30: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Appropriations.
  • 2025-04-28: Passed in the Assembly and ordered to the Senate.
  • 2025-02-19: Bill introduced and read for the first time.

Conclusion

AB 867 represents a significant shift in the regulation of veterinary practices concerning feline declawing in California. By restricting these procedures to therapeutic purposes only, the bill aims to enhance the welfare of cats and promote responsible veterinary practices.

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

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