NJ S1764

Prohibits performing onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedures on cats and other animals in New Jersey unless a licensed veterinarian deems it medically necessary for therapeutic purposes

Violators face a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to $1,000 fine, up to six months imprisonment, or both, plus civil penalties between $500 and $2,000

"Therapeutic purpose" is defined as addressing medical conditions such as illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal claw conditions that compromise the animal's health—cosmetic, aesthetic, or convenience reasons are explicitly excluded

Veterinarians who perform the procedure for therapeutic purposes must file a written statement with the Department of Health documenting the medical justification and provide a copy to the animal's owner

Veterinarians who fail to comply with documentation requirements are subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners