TRENTON, NJ — Legislation that would prohibit the declawing of a cat or other animal in New Jersey unless it was deemed necessary by a veterinarian for a therapeutic purpose has advanced in the State Legislature.

The bill, S-1406, sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) and Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), cleared the Senate Economic Growth Committee on May 22 by a vote of 3-2. The sponsors say the measure is an effort to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

“Declawing a cat is a cruel practice that more often than not is done for the sake of convenience rather than necessity,” said Senator Singleton, who represents Bordentown in the Legislature. “Over 40 countries and four other states have already implemented similar protections to prohibit this inhumane procedure, and it is long past time for New Jersey to join that roster and protect animals from needless, damaging procedures.”

While the declawing of cats is common in the United States, many animal rights activists, veterinary groups and other countries consider it to be inhumane and unnecessary. According to the Paw Project, a non-profit dedicated to ending declawing, the procedure is equivalent to removing the animal's toes at the last joint, severing bones, tendons and nerves, and can be associated with complications including arthritis and permanent lameness.

The legislation would prohibit the declawing of an animal unless a licensed veterinarian determined that an onychectomy – declawing — or flexor tendonectomy was necessary for therapeutic purpose, which would mean “for the purpose of necessity to address the medical condition of the animal, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease or injury in a claw that compromises the animal's health.” The veterinarian would also have to file a written statement with the Department of Health.

Individuals who violate the provisions of the legislation would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, a term of imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both, and would additionally be subject to a civil penalty of between $500 and $2,000. Veterinarians who do not comply with the provisions of the law would also be subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

The legislation would place fines for the violation of its provisions. Specifically, an individual who commits a violation would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to six months, or both. They would additionally be subject to a civil penalty of between $500 and $2,000. A veterinarian who fails to comply with the provisions of the law would additionally be subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

“Declawing is often seen as a quick fix for unwanted scratching by cats, but in executing this medically unnecessary procedure it can cause lasting physical problems and other consequences,” said Senator Gopal. "There are other ways to discourage scratching that do not require damaging amputations, as evidenced by the dozens of nations, states, and localities that have already put prohibitions on this practice.”

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