Index
Consumer ProtectionNew York, USA

New York Ban on Declawing Cats

Summary

New York was the first U.S. state to ban the controversial practice of declawing cats, a procedure that involves amputating the last bone of each toe.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Veterinarians in New York CANNOT perform an onychectomy (declawing procedure) on any cat.
  • 02.
    Declawing is legally classified as an unnecessary amputation that causes immense pain and behavioral issues in the animal.
  • 03.
    There is a very narrow exception: a vet can perform the procedure ONLY if it is necessary for a 'therapeutic purpose' (like removing a cancerous tumor on the paw or treating a severe infection).
  • 04.
    You cannot have your cat declawed simply to stop them from scratching the furniture or because your landlord demands it.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Veterinarians caught performing a non-therapeutic declawing procedure can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.

Verified Citations

New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 381

Source
"No person shall perform an onychectomy (declawing), partial digit amputation (tendonectomy), or any other surgical procedure that alters the normal functioning of the claws, toes, or paws of a cat... except for a therapeutic purpose."