Overview

The Pennsylvania Declawing Ban would make it illegal to declaw cats (onychectomy or digital amputation) except when medically necessary for the health of the animal. The procedure could only be performed when a licensed veterinarian determines it is required to treat an injury, infection, disease, or other abnormal condition affecting a claw or toe. Declawing for cosmetic reasons or for an owner’s convenience would be prohibited.

Why This Legislation Matters

Declawing is not a nail trim—it is the amputation of the last bone of each toe, equivalent to cutting off a person’s finger at the last joint. The procedure can cause pain, nerve damage, arthritis, lameness, and behavior changes that may last a lifetime. Many cats suffer from complications including chronic pain, mobility issues, and behavioral problems such as increased biting and litter-box avoidance. This legislation ensures declawing is performed only for genuine medical necessity—not for human preference.

Humane Alternatives

Regular nail trimming or filing; scratching posts, pads, and other outlets for natural behavior; and soft nail caps; and behavioral and environmental enrichment. These humane methods keep cats healthy and allow natural instincts to be expressed safely.

What the Bill Allows

Declawing would remain legal only for therapeutic reasons, such as: Treating injury, infection, or disease affecting the claw or toe. Removing a tumor or other pathology from a claw or digit.

The bill does not restrict: Routine nail trimming or filing; application of temporary nail caps; emergency veterinary procedures to relieve pain or suffering

Penalties

Performing or procuring a prohibited declaw procedure would be considered a summary offense under Pennsylvania’s animal-cruelty code (Title 18 § 5542). Repeat violations carry escalating fines and may also trigger additional cruelty charges under existing law.

Growing Momentum

Across the country, lawmakers recognize declawing as outdated and inhumane. Pennsylvania’s bill follows statewide bans in: New York, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island. Several Pennsylvania municipalities—including Allentown, Easton, Pittsburgh, Etna and Forks —have enacted local declaw bans

How You Can Help

• Contact your state legislators and urge them to support the Pennsylvania Declawing Ban (HB 1716 and SB 846)
• Educate others about the serious harm caused by declawing
• Encourage veterinarians and shelters to adopt “declaw-free” policies
• Share this fact sheet to help build momentum for passage of this legislation,