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.

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.