SB846

In cruelty to animals, further providing for animal mutilation and related offenses; and imposing penalties.

Introduced·6/10/25
Introduced Text

Pennsylvania SB846 amends animal cruelty laws to prohibit declawing cats unless deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a veterinarian.

Pennsylvania SB846 amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to strengthen protections against animal cruelty. Specifically, the bill adds a subsection to Section 5542, which addresses animal mutilation and related offenses. It defines "declawing" as any procedure that removes a portion of a cat's paw or digit to remove a claw or prevents the normal functioning of one or more claws. The bill prohibits declawing unless it is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine.

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

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6
4
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jun 10, 2025

Senate

Referred to Judiciary