Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 867Introduced by Assembly Member Lee(Coauthor: Senator Wiener)February 19, 2025An act to add Section 4830.9 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 867, as amended, Lee. Veterinary medicine: animal cat declawing.Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, tendonectomy, or similar procedures on a cat that is a member of an exotic or native wild cat species, except solely for a therapeutic purpose.Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine, which includes performing a surgical operation upon an animal. A violation of the act is a crime.This bill would prohibit a person from performing a declawing or similar procedures on any cat or other animal unless the person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to the act and the veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose, as defined. The bill would require a veterinarian, if they determine declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, to file a written statement with the board that includes, among other information, the purpose for performing the procedure, and would require the veterinarian to also provide a copy of the statement to the owner of the animal. cat. Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime under the act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make a veterinarians violation of the bills provisions subject to discipline by the board.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 4830.9 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:4830.9. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Declawing means any of the following:(A) An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure in which a portion of an animals a cats paw is amputated to remove the animals cats claw.(B) A tendonectomy, or surgical procedure in which the tendons of an animals a cats limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the claws cannot be extended.(C) Any other procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animals a cats claws.(2) Therapeutic purpose means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the animals cats health. Therapeutic purpose does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat animal convenient to keep or handle.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not perform a declawing on any cat or other animal unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this chapter.(2) The veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose.(c) If a veterinarian determines that declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the board setting forth the purpose for performing the procedure and providing the date on which the procedure was performed. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. cat.(d) A veterinarian who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to discipline by the board, which shall make a determination as to whether or not to impose penalties, including, but not limited to, fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license.(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preempt any local ordinance prohibiting the procedures identified in subdivision (d) nor any penalties imposed for a violation of such an ordinance.SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 867Introduced by Assembly Member Lee(Coauthor: Senator Wiener)February 19, 2025An act to add Section 4830.9 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 867, as amended, Lee. Veterinary medicine: animal cat declawing.Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, tendonectomy, or similar procedures on a cat that is a member of an exotic or native wild cat species, except solely for a therapeutic purpose.Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine, which includes performing a surgical operation upon an animal. A violation of the act is a crime.This bill would prohibit a person from performing a declawing or similar procedures on any cat or other animal unless the person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to the act and the veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose, as defined. The bill would require a veterinarian, if they determine declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, to file a written statement with the board that includes, among other information, the purpose for performing the procedure, and would require the veterinarian to also provide a copy of the statement to the owner of the animal. cat. Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime under the act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make a veterinarians violation of the bills provisions subject to discipline by the board.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025
Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 867
Introduced by Assembly Member Lee(Coauthor: Senator Wiener)February 19, 2025
Introduced by Assembly Member Lee(Coauthor: Senator Wiener)
February 19, 2025
An act to add Section 4830.9 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 867, as amended, Lee. Veterinary medicine: animal cat declawing.
Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, tendonectomy, or similar procedures on a cat that is a member of an exotic or native wild cat species, except solely for a therapeutic purpose.Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine, which includes performing a surgical operation upon an animal. A violation of the act is a crime.This bill would prohibit a person from performing a declawing or similar procedures on any cat or other animal unless the person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to the act and the veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose, as defined. The bill would require a veterinarian, if they determine declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, to file a written statement with the board that includes, among other information, the purpose for performing the procedure, and would require the veterinarian to also provide a copy of the statement to the owner of the animal. cat. Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime under the act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make a veterinarians violation of the bills provisions subject to discipline by the board.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, tendonectomy, or similar procedures on a cat that is a member of an exotic or native wild cat species, except solely for a therapeutic purpose.
Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine, which includes performing a surgical operation upon an animal. A violation of the act is a crime.
This bill would prohibit a person from performing a declawing or similar procedures on any cat or other animal unless the person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to the act and the veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose, as defined. The bill would require a veterinarian, if they determine declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, to file a written statement with the board that includes, among other information, the purpose for performing the procedure, and would require the veterinarian to also provide a copy of the statement to the owner of the animal. cat. Because a violation of these provisions would be a crime under the act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make a veterinarians violation of the bills provisions subject to discipline by the board.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 4830.9 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:4830.9. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Declawing means any of the following:(A) An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure in which a portion of an animals a cats paw is amputated to remove the animals cats claw.(B) A tendonectomy, or surgical procedure in which the tendons of an animals a cats limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the claws cannot be extended.(C) Any other procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animals a cats claws.(2) Therapeutic purpose means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the animals cats health. Therapeutic purpose does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat animal convenient to keep or handle.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not perform a declawing on any cat or other animal unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this chapter.(2) The veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose.(c) If a veterinarian determines that declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the board setting forth the purpose for performing the procedure and providing the date on which the procedure was performed. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. cat.(d) A veterinarian who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to discipline by the board, which shall make a determination as to whether or not to impose penalties, including, but not limited to, fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license.(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preempt any local ordinance prohibiting the procedures identified in subdivision (d) nor any penalties imposed for a violation of such an ordinance.SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 4830.9 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:4830.9. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Declawing means any of the following:(A) An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure in which a portion of an animals a cats paw is amputated to remove the animals cats claw.(B) A tendonectomy, or surgical procedure in which the tendons of an animals a cats limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the claws cannot be extended.(C) Any other procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animals a cats claws.(2) Therapeutic purpose means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the animals cats health. Therapeutic purpose does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat animal convenient to keep or handle.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not perform a declawing on any cat or other animal unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this chapter.(2) The veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose.(c) If a veterinarian determines that declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the board setting forth the purpose for performing the procedure and providing the date on which the procedure was performed. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. cat.(d) A veterinarian who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to discipline by the board, which shall make a determination as to whether or not to impose penalties, including, but not limited to, fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license.(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preempt any local ordinance prohibiting the procedures identified in subdivision (d) nor any penalties imposed for a violation of such an ordinance.
SECTION 1. Section 4830.9 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
4830.9. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Declawing means any of the following:(A) An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure in which a portion of an animals a cats paw is amputated to remove the animals cats claw.(B) A tendonectomy, or surgical procedure in which the tendons of an animals a cats limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the claws cannot be extended.(C) Any other procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animals a cats claws.(2) Therapeutic purpose means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the animals cats health. Therapeutic purpose does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat animal convenient to keep or handle.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not perform a declawing on any cat or other animal unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this chapter.(2) The veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose.(c) If a veterinarian determines that declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the board setting forth the purpose for performing the procedure and providing the date on which the procedure was performed. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. cat.(d) A veterinarian who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to discipline by the board, which shall make a determination as to whether or not to impose penalties, including, but not limited to, fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license.(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preempt any local ordinance prohibiting the procedures identified in subdivision (d) nor any penalties imposed for a violation of such an ordinance.
4830.9. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Declawing means any of the following:(A) An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure in which a portion of an animals a cats paw is amputated to remove the animals cats claw.(B) A tendonectomy, or surgical procedure in which the tendons of an animals a cats limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the claws cannot be extended.(C) Any other procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animals a cats claws.(2) Therapeutic purpose means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the animals cats health. Therapeutic purpose does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat animal convenient to keep or handle.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not perform a declawing on any cat or other animal unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this chapter.(2) The veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose.(c) If a veterinarian determines that declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the board setting forth the purpose for performing the procedure and providing the date on which the procedure was performed. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. cat.(d) A veterinarian who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to discipline by the board, which shall make a determination as to whether or not to impose penalties, including, but not limited to, fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license.(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preempt any local ordinance prohibiting the procedures identified in subdivision (d) nor any penalties imposed for a violation of such an ordinance.
4830.9. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Declawing means any of the following:(A) An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure in which a portion of an animals a cats paw is amputated to remove the animals cats claw.(B) A tendonectomy, or surgical procedure in which the tendons of an animals a cats limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the claws cannot be extended.(C) Any other procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animals a cats claws.(2) Therapeutic purpose means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the animals cats health. Therapeutic purpose does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat animal convenient to keep or handle.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not perform a declawing on any cat or other animal unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:(1) The person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this chapter.(2) The veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose.(c) If a veterinarian determines that declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the board setting forth the purpose for performing the procedure and providing the date on which the procedure was performed. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. cat.(d) A veterinarian who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to discipline by the board, which shall make a determination as to whether or not to impose penalties, including, but not limited to, fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license.(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preempt any local ordinance prohibiting the procedures identified in subdivision (d) nor any penalties imposed for a violation of such an ordinance.
4830.9. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Declawing means any of the following:
(A) An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure in which a portion of an animals a cats paw is amputated to remove the animals cats claw.
(B) A tendonectomy, or surgical procedure in which the tendons of an animals a cats limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the claws cannot be extended.
(C) Any other procedure that prevents the normal functioning of an animals a cats claws.
(2) Therapeutic purpose means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the animals cats health. Therapeutic purpose does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat animal convenient to keep or handle.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person shall not perform a declawing on any cat or other animal unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The person is licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this chapter.
(2) The veterinarian is performing the declawing for a therapeutic purpose.
(c) If a veterinarian determines that declawing is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the board setting forth the purpose for performing the procedure and providing the date on which the procedure was performed. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. cat.
(d) A veterinarian who fails to comply with this section shall be subject to discipline by the board, which shall make a determination as to whether or not to impose penalties, including, but not limited to, fines, suspension of license, or revocation of license.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preempt any local ordinance prohibiting the procedures identified in subdivision (d) nor any penalties imposed for a violation of such an ordinance.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
### SEC. 2.