(a) An onychectomy, tendonectomy, surgical claw removal, or declaw on any feline or any procedure to otherwise alter a felineâs toes, claws, or paws to prevent or impair the normal function of the felineâs toes, claws, or paws shall be performed solely for a therapeutic purpose. (b) For purposes of this section, âtherapeutic purposeâ means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claws, nail bed, or toe bone, which jeopardizes the felineâs health. âTherapeutic purposeâ does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the feline more convenient to keep or handle. (c) This section shall not prohibit a veterinarian from nail trimming or applying nonsurgical scratching mitigation solutions, such as the application of a device to the tip of a claw.
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