This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding veterinary practices in Arizona. It introduces new definitions, such as "declawing" or "onychectomy," which refers to the surgical removal of an animal's claws, and "tendonectomy," which involves modifying tendons to prevent claw extension. Additionally, it establishes that a veterinarian may only perform these procedures if they are licensed and for a therapeutic purpose, which is defined as addressing a medical necessity rather than for cosmetic reasons.

The bill also mandates that veterinarians maintain detailed records of any declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy performed on cats for a minimum of four years, including the owner's information, a description of the cat, the procedure date, the reason for the procedure, and any supporting diagnostic opinions. Furthermore, it outlines penalties for violations of these provisions, including civil penalties and potential license suspension or revocation for repeated offenses. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulation of veterinary practices related to claw removal procedures, ensuring they are performed only when medically necessary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-2201, 32-2240.04