California AB867 prohibits cat declawing procedures unless performed by a licensed veterinarian for a therapeutic purpose.

California AB867 amends the Business and Professions Code to restrict cat declawing procedures. These procedures, defined as onychectomy, tendonectomy, surgical claw removal, or declaw, can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian for a therapeutic purpose. A "therapeutic purpose" means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the cat’s health. The bill excludes cosmetic or aesthetic purposes or to make the cat more convenient to keep or handle.

California AB867 prohibits cat declawing procedures unless performed by a licensed veterinarian for a therapeutic purpose.

California AB867 amends the Business and Professions Code to restrict cat declawing procedures. These procedures, defined as onychectomy, tendonectomy, surgical claw removal, or declaw, can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian for a therapeutic purpose. A "therapeutic purpose" means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the cat’s health. The bill excludes cosmetic or aesthetic purposes or to make the cat more convenient to keep or handle.