Signed by Governor Maura Healey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the declawing of cats in Massachusetts.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the declawing of cats in Massachusetts unless for a therapeutic purpose (Sec. 2).

• Defines “therapeutic purpose” for this bill as addressing, as a matter of medical necessity, an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claw, nail, or toe bone that jeopardizes the afflicted animal’s health (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that “therapeutic purpose” does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in the keeping or handling of the animal (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text