SENATE ECONOMIC GROWTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1209

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 31, 2018

The Senate Economic Growth Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1209.

      As reported, this bill prohibits a person from performing, or causing to be performed, an onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat or other animal, unless the procedure is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian.  A violation of this provision is 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 is also to be subject to a civil penalty of between $500 and $2,000. 

      Under the bill, whenever a licensed veterinarian determines that an onychectomy or flexor tendonectomy is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian is required to file a written statement with the Department of Health, and provide a copy of that statement to the owner or keeper of the animal.  A veterinarian who fails to comply with this provision is to be subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.