Expressing opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as...
Expressing opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as declawing, for elective surgery in cats.
This bill, HR985, aims to express opposition to the practice of onychectomy, commonly referred to as declawing, when performed as an elective surgery on cats. It was introduced on January 9, 2026, by Jerrold Nadler, with several other Democratic co-sponsors.
The bill would affect cat owners and veterinarians by raising awareness about the potential harm and ethical concerns associated with declawing. It does not impose any legal restrictions but serves to highlight the issue and encourage better practices in cat care.
As of the last update on January 9, 2026, the bill has been submitted and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and then to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. This marks the initial steps in the legislative process, where the bill will be reviewed and potentially moved forward for further consideration.
