NEW HAMPSHIRE — Despite growing concern from animal rights advocates, cat declawing remains legal in New Hampshire — for now.
Efforts to ban the procedure, which many vets and activists liken to mutilation, have surfaced repeatedly in the state legislature. However, the most recent bill to prohibit it was rejected by the New Hampshire House in February 2025.
What Is Cat Declawing — And Why Is It Controversial?
Declawing is not just a nail trim. It involves surgically removing the last bone of each toe, comparable to amputating a human finger at the top knuckle. It’s often done for cosmetic or behavioral reasons, but it can leave cats in pain and increase the risk of long-term behavioral and physical issues.
Some declawed cats exhibit signs of discomfort, aggression, or litter box avoidance. Others may suffer from chronic pain or balance issues.
Attempts to Ban Declawing in New Hampshire
In 2023, lawmakers introduced House Bill 231, which sought to make declawing cats illegal. Although it passed the House, it ultimately died in the Senate.
Another attempt was made in February 2025, but this time the House rejected the bill by a vote of 191–177. If passed, the legislation would have fined violators $500 for a first offense, with steeper penalties for repeat violations.
Supporters of the bill argued that the practice was inhumane and unnecessary, especially given the availability of behavioral training, scratch posts, and nail caps as alternatives.
Where Declawing Is Banned in the U.S.
Several other jurisdictions have already taken action:
- New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. have enacted full bans on cat declawing.
- Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin have also passed local bans.
These laws are often supported by veterinary associations and animal welfare groups, many of whom advocate for cat guardianship without resorting to surgical modification.
Do you believe cat declawing should be banned in more states, including New Hampshire? Share your thoughts in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice helps us spotlight issues that matter to pet owners across the U.S.
