Emily MurphySupportDover, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing animals is akin to animal abuse and should be prohibited. Thank you.
HB201
House · 2025 sessionBipartisanKilled in HouseBan on cat declawing
AIProhibits removing a cat's claws except when medically necessary to treat an existing illness, injury, or condition, and imposes escalating civil penalties of $500 to $2,500 for violations.
prohibiting the removal of claws from cats.
AnimalsCrimes, Crim.Proc. & Corr.
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 13, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Division of testimony
263 submissionsSupport 168Oppose 95Neutral 0
Argument digest · AI-generated
from 105 of 105 written submissionsHB201 would prohibit veterinarians from surgically removing cats' claws except when medically necessary. A large majority of submitters support the ban, describing declawing as an inhumane amputation that causes lasting physical pain and behavioral problems. A smaller group, including several veterinarians, opposes the bill, arguing that declawing decisions belong to veterinarians and pet owners, that the procedure is already rarely performed in New Hampshire, and that removing it as an option could lead some cats to be surrendered or euthanized instead.
- Declawing is an inhumane amputation, not a nail trimSupport55 of 105 reviewed
Supporters emphasize that declawing surgically removes the last bone of each toe, comparing it to amputating a human finger at the first knuckle, and argue it is inherently cruel.
“Declawing is a surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe, equivalent to removing a human finger at the first knuckle.”
— Carolyn Borkowski, Amherst · #343149 — read full submission →
“In human terms, it would be akin to having our fingertips amputated at the top knuckle.”
— Ronald Scott Semmens, Stoddard · #346417 — read full submission →
“It physically shortens the digits in the cat's paw by removing bone back to the first knuckle.”
— Steven Rugoletti, Plaistow · #347946 — read full submission →
- Causes lasting physical harmSupport15 of 105 reviewed
Submitters cite chronic pain, arthritis, altered gait, nerve damage, and infection as documented physical consequences of declaw surgery.
“a declawed cat is 3 to 7 times more likely than a non declawed cat to experience inappropriate urination, biting, and chronic back pain.”
— Alyssa Nicosia, Manchester · #350105 — read full submission →
“Declawed cats experience pain while supporting their body weight,. Also, bone fragments may contain remnants of nail-forming tissue that may continue to grow deep within the foot, causing inflammation & possibly infection.”
— Jennifer O'Clare, Salem · #343708 — read full submission →
- Leads to behavioral problems and shelter surrenderSupport15 of 105 reviewed
Submitters argue declawing increases biting, litter box avoidance, and aggression, which in turn raises the likelihood cats will be surrendered to shelters or euthanized.
“33% of cats suffer at least one behavioral problem after declaw surgery, such as increased biting or litter box avoidance; these behaviors are MORE likely to result in rehoming or surrendering to shelters than scratching furniture alone.”
— Theresa Caney, Boscawen · #344990 — read full submission →
“Declawing is inhumane and significantly increases the chance of back pain, litter box aversion and biting.”
— Joanne Therrien, Dover · #345199 — read full submission →
- Removes a cat's ability to defend itselfSupport8 of 105 reviewed
Some submitters note that declawed cats, especially if they escape or are left outdoors, lose their ability to hunt, climb to escape danger, or defend themselves from predators.
“The ones who come in as strays are typically emaciated from slowly starving because they were unable to hunt while struggling to stay alive outside (difficult to kill rodents or climb trees to avoid predators without claws).”
— Megan Williams, Ossipee · #341999 — read full submission →
“If a cat is allowed outside, or an irresponsible owner dumps the animal, it cannot defend itself from predators, climb a tree to escape, or hunt prey to survive.”
— Steve O'Neill, New Boston · #345795 — read full submission →
- Humane alternatives to declawing existSupport6 of 105 reviewed
Supporters point to nail caps, scratching posts, and regular trimming as effective, humane ways to manage scratching without surgery.
“Owners can buy nail caps which go over the claw and are not sharp enough to cause damage. Owners may also choose to add more acceptable scratching surfaces like scratching pads and posts to their home.”
— Lauren Martin, Amherst · #342213 — read full submission →
“If all one wants to do is protect furniture, you can trim their front claws with fingernail clippers.”
— James Fiest, Manchester · #344649 — read full submission →
- Other states and countries have already banned declawingSupport4 of 105 reviewed
Some submitters point to bans in other U.S. states, cities, and dozens of countries as precedent for New Hampshire to follow.
“Declawing is banned or considered unethical in dozens of countries around the world. New York, Maryland and D.C, have banned declawing, along with more than a dozen cities across the U. S.”
— Joanne Therrien, Dover · #345199 — read full submission →
“Maryland & New York have outlawed declawing. Please consider joining forces with these states in helping to put an end to this heinous procedure.”
— Jennifer O'Clare, Salem · #343708 — read full submission →
- Declawing should remain a vet-and-owner medical decisionOppose9 of 105 reviewed
Several submitters, including veterinarians, argue that whether to declaw a cat is a medical decision that should be made between a veterinarian and pet owner rather than dictated by statute.
“Regardless, any surgical procedure is a MEDICAL decision and should not be legislated at this level. It would be difficult and inexpedient to enforce.”
— Lisa Boyer, Brentwood · #340375 — read full submission →
“Decisions about a pet's health and welfare should be left to the pet owner and their veterinarian and not the legislature.”
— Patricia Anastasia, Londonderry · #347599 — read full submission →
- Procedure is already rare, so the bill is unnecessaryOppose5 of 105 reviewed
Opponents argue that few or no New Hampshire veterinarians still perform declaw surgery, making a legal ban an unnecessary use of legislative time and taxpayer resources.
- Banning declawing could lead to surrender or euthanasiaOppose5 of 105 reviewed
Some opponents argue that allowing declawing as a last resort can prevent an owner from giving up or euthanizing a cat whose scratching behavior otherwise cannot be managed.
- Risk of expanding restrictions to other proceduresOppose1 of 105 reviewed
One submitter warns that a declawing ban could set a precedent for later restricting other procedures such as tail docking or dew claw removal in dogs.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
Linda BarrySupportBow, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
I support this bill
Alyssa NicosiaSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing is an outdated procedure, most often done out of convenience for the pet owner. Information on the long term negative side effects on not only health but behavior can be found via AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and Humane Society of the United States websites. Facts exist such as: a declawed cat is 3 to 7 times more likely than a non declawed cat to experience inappropriate urination, biting, and chronic back pain. It is important to note that the wording of the bill allows for very rare circumstances of declawing to be performed, which I can agree with. The focus of the bill is pointed at owners who choose to declaw out of their own convenience or for aesthetic reasons.
Donna Ellis DobsonSupportJackson, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
I support this bill to ban the decline of cats as it is cruel and unnecessary.
Anthony PelletierSupportMerrimack, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
No cat should have there claws removed. It is inhumane
Victoria BushSupportPlaistow, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
It is cruel to declaw cats.
tara harveySupportPelham, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing is painful to felines and is an inhumane act. This takes away natural abilities, leaves one defenseless and puts the animal in harms way especially if outside. Please do not allow declawing of animals!!!
Jamie KordackSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Please ban declawing of cats.
Mackenzie WilsonSupportNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing cats is inhumane and we must protect these animals. There is no need to declaw when these animals may end up outside with a need to defend themselves from potential threats. Let’s focus on more important things like funding animal shelters in general rather than harming innocent animals.
Cinda WentworthSupportPlaistow, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Please do not declaw cats.
Cindy Saint-AmantSupportNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
It is very painful and inhumane to have this procedure done to a cat especially since it isn’t needed for the cat to live a healthy life.
Steven RugolettiSupportPlaistow, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing a cat, while advantageous for humans as furniture and other household items often suffer less damage, is cruel and inhumane to the cat. It physically shortens the digits in the cat's paw by removing bone back to the first knuckle. Imagine how you would feel if the part of every digit you have with a fingernail or toenail were amputated? I'm sure that would have life-changing consequences for you, yet this is what we do to cats. I support this bill and it's goal to end this inhumane treatment.
Tina PuringtonSupportNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing of cats is not humane. It is like if cutting your finger off at the knuckle. People don’t need to declaw their cats to have them. Not to mention how much the cats suffers during the healing process from the horrible surgery
Sarah HilsSupportCANTERBURY, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing cats is an extremely cruel practice. It is mutilating their paws. It’s long past time for this practice to end. Please support HB -201.
Selene ChiltonSupportChelmsford, MAfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Cruel, painful, and unnecessary procedure that leads to a lifetime of physical and emotional pain and suffering cats. There is no medical reason for this, if an owner can’t handle a cat scratching at rugs or furniture, or be willing to learn other ways to manage that, they shouldn’t have a cat. It’s the equivalent of getting your fingertips amputated from the last knuckle up.
Lisa TibbetsSupportSalem, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
I get sick to my stomach when I hear of declawing. I feel it is abuse to these kitty's and for several reasons. Please help these guys as they don't have voices other than us and make it illegal to declaw. I do know a lot of vets won't do it even if asked! Thank you for your time.
Patricia AnastasiaOpposeLondonderry, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Decisions about a pet's health and welfare should be left to the pet owner and their veterinarian and not the legislature. While I am not in favor of declawing cats, this is a surgery that is no longer routinely performed in this state. There are times when declawing is in the best interest of the pet, as determined by a veterinarian. When are we going to stop rehashing bills such as thus one, that have little to no impact on the quality of life in NH and start focusing on issues that matter?
Colleen MaloneSupportHudson, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
As someone who made the mistake of doing this in the past, I can tell you that this is a cruel practice leaving the animal defenseless and leading to other behaviors such as biting. I volunteer in a shelter currently and would never suggest or practice this again.
Lauren YoungSupportHudson, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing cats is painful & not humane. It is an outdated practice and should be banned in NH. Please support this bill to protect cats in NH.
Karolyn CampbellSupportEpsom, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Only humans could dream unnecessary amputation of cat claws to protect household items. Don’t own a cat if the cat cannot exist in a natural environment. Proves once again humans are the nastiest creatures in the planet.
erick sawtelleOpposeLee, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Any surgical procedure should be negotiated between the animal owner and a licensed veterinarian. No different than spaying or neutering. Thank You, Erick
Renee AndrewsSupportHudson, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing is cruel and needs to be banned in NH!
Jean GreenSupportMerrimack, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
Declawing is a disgusting, inhumane practice. It should be against the law to perform this cruel procedure.
Kristen GroverSupportPlaistow, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
I support this Bill.
Leanne WilkinsOpposeGoffstown, NHfor MyselfJan 21, 2025
I personally would never declaw a cat, situations like renting where animal is being destructive to property, I would like to have the option to declaw after all other avenues are exhausted rather than give up the cat.