This bill introduces a new section to the existing law, specifically RSA 644, prohibiting the declawing of cats. The new section, 644:8-h, states that no person shall remove a cat's claws through procedures such as onychectomy, partial or complete phalangectomy, or tendonectomy, except when necessary for addressing a medical condition that compromises the cat's health. The bill explicitly prohibits declawing for cosmetic or convenience reasons.

Violations of this new law will result in a civil penalty, with fines escalating from $500 for the first offense to $2,500 for subsequent offenses. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Additionally, while the fiscal impact on state and local governments is indeterminable, there may be implications for the judicial and correctional systems due to the introduction of these penalties.