AZ HB2537

Prohibits veterinarians from performing declawing (onychectomy) or tendonectomy procedures on cats except for therapeutic purposes addressing existing infection, disease, injury, or abnormal conditions that jeopardize the cat's health.

Requires veterinarians performing these procedures to maintain records for at least four years including the owner's name and address, cat's physical description, procedure date, reason performed, and diagnostic test results supporting the procedure.

Establishes civil penalties of $1,000 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second violation, and license suspension or revocation for a third or subsequent violation of the declawing prohibition.

Adds definitions for "declawing," "tendonectomy," and "therapeutic purpose" to Arizona's veterinary practice statutes.

Directs all civil penalties collected to be deposited in the state general fund pursuant to state budgeting procedures.