any procedure to alter a cat's toes, claws or paws to
prevent the normal functioning of the cat's toes, claws
or paws.
(ii) The offense under this subsection shall not
include the trimming of a nonviable claw husk or placing
a nonpermanent nail cap on a cat.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), if
a licensed veterinarian determines that a phalangectomy
procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the
licensed veterinarian, on or before 10 business days after
performing the procedure, shall file a written statement with
the animal control agency with jurisdiction over the area in
which the procedure was performed stating the purpose for the
phalangectomy, onychectomy, partial digital amputation or
tendonectomy procedure, including a laboratory pathology
report confirming the pathology, identifying information of
the cat, including its microchip number if applicable, age,
gender, markings and a photo of the face and current address
and telephone number of the owner or keeper of the cat. The
licensed veterinarian shall provide a copy of the written
statement to the owner or keeper of the cat.
(3) As used in this subsection, the following words and
phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
paragraph unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Onychectomy." A procedure in which a portion of the paw
of a cat is amputated or removed or disables a claw,
including procedures commonly referred to as declawing.
"Partial digital amputation." A procedure for the
excision of some or all of one or more of the phalanges of
the paw of a cat.
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