TITLE: Relating to the prohibited performance of certain procedures affecting cat claw functioning; providing a civil penalty.

SUMMARY: Relating to the prohibited performance of certain procedures affecting cat claw functioning; providing a civil penalty.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the prohibited performance of certain procedures affecting cat claw functioning; providing a civil penalty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 821, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 821.005 to read as follows: Sec. 821.005. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN PROCEDURES PERFORMED ON CATS; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), a person may not perform a procedure on a cat that prevents the normal functioning of a claw of the cat, including: (1) an onychectomy; (2) a dactylectomy; (3) a phalangectomy; (4) a tendonectomy; (5) a procedure that removes a portion of the cat's paw or digit to remove the claw; or (6) a procedure that cuts or modifies the tendon of the cat's limb, paw, or digit to inhibit normal movement of the claw. (b) A procedure prohibited by Subsection (a) does not include nail filing, nail trimming, or the placement of temporary nail caps on a claw of a cat. (c) A person may perform a procedure described by Subsection (a) if: (1) the procedure: (A) addresses an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the cat's paw, nail bed, or toe bone that jeopardizes the cat's health; and (B) is medically necessary for the cat's health as documented by a licensed veterinarian; or (2) the procedure is performed to protect the life or health of a cat's owner, or a member of the owner's household, who has been diagnosed by a licensed physician as having an infection, disease, or similar condition that could reasonably be expected to worsen if the cat scratches the owner or household member. (d) A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of $500 for each violation. The attorney general may bring an action to recover the civil penalty. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.