bill to ban declawing cats, $500 per violation

The text as introduced · 331 words

By: Bhojani
H.B. No. 1128

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the prohibited performance of certain procedures

affecting cat claw functioning; providing a civil penalty.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 821, Health and Safety

Code, is amended by adding Section 821.005 to read as follows:

Sec. 821.005. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN PROCEDURES PERFORMED

ON CATS; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b)

and (c), a person may not perform a procedure on a cat that prevents

the normal functioning of a claw of the cat, including:

(1) an onychectomy;

(2) a dactylectomy;

(3) a phalangectomy;

(4) a tendonectomy;

(5) a procedure that removes a portion of the cat's paw

or digit to remove the claw; or

(6) a procedure that cuts or modifies the tendon of the

cat's limb, paw, or digit to inhibit normal movement of the claw.

(b) A procedure prohibited by Subsection (a) does not

include nail filing, nail trimming, or the placement of temporary

nail caps on a claw of a cat.

(c) A person may perform a procedure described by Subsection

(a) if:

(1) the procedure:

(A) addresses an existing or recurring

infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the cat's paw,

nail bed, or toe bone that jeopardizes the cat's health; and

(B) is medically necessary for the cat's health

as documented by a licensed veterinarian; or

(2) the procedure is performed to protect the life or

health of a cat's owner, or a member of the owner's household, who

has been diagnosed by a licensed physician as having an infection,

disease, or similar condition that could reasonably be expected to

worsen if the cat scratches the owner or household member.

(d) A person who violates this section is subject to a civil

penalty of $500 for each violation. The attorney general may bring

an action to recover the civil penalty.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.