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.

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.