The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6267, aims to prohibit the declawing of cats, which is defined as the surgical removal or alteration of a cat's claws or toes. The bill specifies that declawing includes procedures such as onychectomy and tendonectomy, which impair the normal functioning of a cat's claws. It establishes that any surgical procedure performed on a cat's claws or paws is prohibited unless it is for a "therapeutic purpose," which is defined as a medically necessary intervention to address health issues related to the claws or paws.

Violations of this law would result in civil penalties, starting at $500 for the first offense, escalating to $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,500 for any subsequent violations. Enforcement of this law would be the responsibility of the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and local municipalities. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to protect the welfare of cats by preventing unnecessary surgical procedures that could harm their health and well-being.