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