This bill seeks to prohibit the surgical declawing of cats and other animals, specifically through procedures known as onychectomy and flexor tendonectomy, unless deemed necessary for therapeutic purposes by a licensed veterinarian. Under the proposed legislation, any individual who performs or causes these procedures to be performed without a therapeutic justification would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which carries penalties including fines of up to $1,000 and potential imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, violators would face civil penalties ranging from $500 to $2,000. The bill defines "therapeutic purpose" as a necessity to address medical conditions affecting the animal's health, explicitly excluding cosmetic or convenience-based reasons.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that when a veterinarian determines that such a procedure is necessary, they must prepare and file a written statement with the Department of Health, detailing the purpose of the procedure and providing the owner's information. Failure to comply with this requirement would subject the veterinarian to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The bill aims to protect animal welfare by ensuring that declawing procedures are only performed when absolutely necessary for the health of the animal.