This bill aims to prohibit the elective declawing of cats in Minnesota, establishing new legal language under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 343. It defines key terms related to the practice, including "cat," "declawing," and "tendonectomy," and clarifies that declawing refers to surgical procedures that remove or modify a cat's claws. The bill specifies that declawing does not include non-invasive procedures such as trimming or applying nail caps. Importantly, it allows for exceptions when procedures are performed solely for therapeutic purposes to address health issues.

Additionally, the bill outlines prohibited acts, stating that no person may perform surgical claw removal or alter a cat's toes, claws, or paws in a way that impairs their normal function, except for therapeutic reasons. To enforce this prohibition, the bill establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines escalating from $500 for the first offense to $2,500 for subsequent offenses. These penalties can be pursued through civil actions by the county attorney or the attorney general on behalf of the state.