TRENTON – In an effort to ensure the humane treatment of animals, the Senate Economic Growth Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and Vin Gopal that would prohibit the performance of a declawing on a cat or other animal unless the procedure is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian.

The declawing of cats is common in the United States, yet is considered to be inhumane and unnecessary by many animal rights activists, veterinary groups, and nations. The Paw Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending declawing, explains that the procedure is equivalent to removing the animal’s toes at the last joint, severing bones, tendons, and nerves. Cat declawing is further associated with complications including arthritis and permanent lameness.

“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 (D-Burlington). “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.”

The bill, S-1406, would require that a licensed veterinarian determine that an onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, as well as file a written statement with the Department of Health. The term “therapeutic purpose” would mean for 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.

“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 (D-Monmouth), who has similarly championed reforms to prohibit the procedure. “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.”

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.