S 1764 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Prohibits surgical declawing of cats and other animals.

This bill bans surgical declawing (onychectomy) of cats and other animals unless a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary for the animal's health, such as treating an infection or injury. It directly affects veterinarians who perform procedures, pet owners who seek declawing, and animal care facilities. Veterinarians must document medically necessary cases in writing, file a report with the Department of Health, and provide a copy to the pet owner. Violating the ban is a disorderly persons offense, while failure to document a necessary procedure could lead to disciplinary action against the veterinarian.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
upper
2 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors