ยง 381. Prohibition of the declawing of cats. 1. No person shall
perform an onychectomy (declawing), partial or complete phalangectomy or
tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat within the state of New
York, except when necessary for a therapeutic purpose. Therapeutic
purpose means the necessity to address the physical medical condition of
the cat, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease,
injury or abnormal condition in the claw that compromises the cat's
health. Therapeutic purpose does not include cosmetic or aesthetic
reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the cat.
2. Any person who performs an onychectomy, partial or complete
phalangectomy or tendonectomy procedure on any cat within the state of
New York in violation of the provisions of subdivision one of this
section shall be punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed one
thousand dollars.
Structure New York Laws
351 - Prohibition of Animal Fighting.
353 - Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance.
353-A - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.
353-B - Appropriate Shelter for Dogs Left Outdoors.
353-C - Electrocution of Fur-Bearing Animals Prohibited.
353-D - Confinement of Companion Animals in Vehicles: Extreme Temperatures.
353-E - Companion Animal Grooming Facilities; Prohibited Practices.
353-F - Companion Animal Piercing and Tattooing Prohibited.
354 - Sale of Baby Chicks and Baby Rabbits.
356 - Failure to Provide Proper Food and Drink to Impounded Animal.
357 - Selling or Offering to Sell or Exposing Diseased Animal.
358 - Selling Disabled Horses.
358-A - Live Animals as Prizes Prohibited.
359 - Carrying Animal in a Cruel Manner.
359-A - Transportation of Horses.
360 - Poisoning or Attempting to Poison Animals.
361 - Interference With or Injury to Certain Domestic Animals.
362 - Throwing Substance Injurious to Animals in Public Place.
363 - Unauthorized Possession of Dogs Presumptive Evidence of Larceny.
364 - Running Horses on Highway.
365 - Clipping or Cutting the Ears of Dogs.
366 - Companion Animal Stealing.
366-A - Removing, Seizing or Transporting Dogs for Research Purposes.
367 - Leaving State to Avoid Provisions of This Article.
368 - Operating Upon Tails of Horses Unlawful.
369 - Interference With Officers.
370 - Protection of the Public From Attack by Wild Animals and Reptiles.
371 - Powers of Peace Officers.
372 - Issuance of Warrants Upon Complaint.
373 - Seizure of Animals Lost, Strayed, Homeless, Abandoned or Improperly Confined or Kept.
375 - Officer May Take Possession of Animals or Implements Used in Fights Among Animals.
376 - Disposition of Animals or Implements Used in Fights Among Animals.
377 - Disposal of Dead Animals.
377-A - Spaying and Neutering of Dogs and Cats.
378 - Unlawful Tampering With Animal Research.
379 - Prohibition of the Selling of Fur, Hair, Skin or Flesh of a Dog or Cat.
380 - Use of Elephants in Entertainment Acts.
380*2 - Examination of Seized Animals or Animals Taken Possession Of.
381 - Prohibition of the Declawing of Cats.
382 - Prohibition of the Slaughter of Race Horses and Race Horse Breeding Stock.
383 - Examination of Seized Animals or Animals Taken Possession Of.