The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6267, aims to prohibit the declawing of cats, which is defined as the surgical removal or modification of a cat's claws through procedures such as onychectomy or tendonectomy. The bill specifies that declawing and similar alterations to a cat's paws are not permitted, except when performed for a "therapeutic purpose," which is defined as a medically necessary procedure to address health issues related to the cat's claws or paws. The bill establishes clear definitions for terms related to the procedures and outlines the conditions under which they may be performed.

To enforce this prohibition, the bill imposes civil penalties for violations, starting at $500 for the first offense, escalating to $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,500 for any subsequent violations. Enforcement of these provisions will 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 impair their natural functioning.