The bill amends Chapter 4-1 of the General Laws, titled "Cruelty to Animals," by introducing a new section that prohibits the declawing of cats through any surgical procedure that involves the amputation or modification of a cat's paw to remove its claws. The bill defines "declawing" as an onychectomy or any other surgical procedure to remove the cat's claws, and clarifies that it does not include non-invasive procedures such as trimming nonviable claw husk or applying non-permanent nail caps. It also defines "tendonectomy" as a procedure that impairs the normal functioning of a cat's claws by cutting or modifying the tendons in the limbs, paws, or toes.

The bill establishes that it is unlawful for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing, or tendonectomy on any cat, or to otherwise alter a cat's toes, claws, or paws to prevent or impair their normal function, with the exception of procedures performed solely for a therapeutic purpose to address existing health issues.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the prosecution of and procedure for discipline for violations of this section shall be in accordance with sections 5-25-9 and 5-25-15. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.