FL S0048

Prohibits any person from performing a declawing procedure on a cat in Florida unless necessary for a therapeutic purpose, defined as addressing a medical condition such as illness, infection, disease, or injury.

Defines declawing to include onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, tendonectomy, and any other surgical procedure that removes claws or prevents their normal functioning.

Establishes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation by non-veterinarians, with each declawed cat constituting a separate violation.

Makes declawing in violation of the law grounds for disciplinary action by the Board of Veterinary Medicine against licensed veterinarians, including suspension, revocation, fines up to $5,000, reprimands, and probation.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.