This bill introduces a new section to the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 644, specifically section 644:8-h, which prohibits the declawing of cats through procedures such as onychectomy, phalangectomy, or tendonectomy, except when necessary for addressing a medical condition affecting the cat's health. The bill explicitly states that declawing for cosmetic or convenience reasons is not permitted. Violators of this law will face civil penalties, starting at $500 for the first offense, escalating to $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,500 for any subsequent violations.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments, particularly concerning potential costs associated with the judicial and correctional systems due to the new penalties. The bill does not anticipate generating revenue but may incur expenditures related to enforcement and prosecution of the new law.