HB 5508 Summary

• Prohibits performing onychectomy, phalangectomy, tendonectomy, or any other surgical procedure that prevents normal claw functioning on cats unless medically necessary for a therapeutic purpose.

• Defines "therapeutic purpose" as addressing a physical medical condition such as illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal claw condition that compromises the cat's health, excluding cosmetic, aesthetic, or convenience-related reasons.

• Applies to domestic cats and cat hybrids including savannah cats, serengeti cats, Maine coons, Bengal cats, and chausies.

• Establishes a civil fine of up to $1,000 for violations, enforceable by county prosecutors or the Michigan Attorney General.