(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblyman Troy Singleton sponsored to prohibit cat declawing in New Jersey was approved by the full Assembly, 43-10-12, on Monday.
“Declawing is a barbaric practice that more often than not is done for the sake of convenience rather than necessity,” said Singleton (D-Burlington). “Many countries worldwide acknowledge the inhumane nature of declawing, which causes extreme pain to cats. It’s time for New Jersey to join them.”
The bill (A-3899) would ban onychectomy – or declawing – and flexor tendonectomy procedures on a cat or any other animal unless the procedure is deemed medically necessary by a veterinarian. Should it become law, the measure would be the first of its kind in the nation.
Violators of the legislation would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to six months or both. A violator also would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,000.
The measure was advanced by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on November 14. The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration.