HB1716

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the prohibition on declawing cats.

Introduced·7/10/25

Pennsylvania HB1716 makes declawing cats illegal unless medically necessary.

Pennsylvania HB1716 amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to prohibit the declawing of cats unless deemed necessary for therapeutic purposes by a licensed veterinarian. Procedures such as onychectomy, declawing, partial digital amputation, and tendonectomy are banned unless they are required to address a physical medical condition of the cat. The bill also mandates that veterinarians file a written statement with the animal control agency if such procedures are performed for therapeutic reasons. The act will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

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22
2
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

14 Yea

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12 Nay

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Calendar

Oct 15, 2025

11:00 AM

Judiciary (h) Hearing

History

Oct 27, 2025

House

Reported as amended

Oct 27, 2025

House

First consideration

Oct 27, 2025

House

Laid on the table