Prohibits surgical declawing of cats and other animals.

This bill prohibits the surgical declawing (onychectomy) of cats and other animals in New Jersey, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary to treat a specific health condition like an injury, infection, or disease. Veterinarians must document the medical necessity, file a written statement with the Department of Health, and provide a copy to the pet owner for any permitted procedure. The law explicitly bans declawing for cosmetic, aesthetic, or convenience reasons, such as preventing furniture damage. Violating this prohibition would result in a disorderly persons offense, directly affecting veterinarians, pet owners, and animal care providers by changing the legal standards for declawing procedures.