89R9250 MCF-D     By: Bhojani H.B. No. 2653       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the prohibited performance of certain procedures   affecting cat claw functioning; providing a civil penalty.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 821, Health and Safety   Code, is amended by adding Section 821.005 to read as follows:          Sec. 821.005.  PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN PROCEDURES PERFORMED   ON CATS; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b)   and (c), a person may not perform a procedure on a cat that prevents   the normal functioning of a claw of the cat, including:                (1)  an onychectomy;                (2)  a dactylectomy;                (3)  a phalangectomy;                (4)  a tendonectomy;                (5)  a procedure that removes a portion of the cat's paw   or digit to remove the claw; or                (6)  a procedure that cuts or modifies the tendon of the   cat's limb, paw, or digit to inhibit normal movement of the claw.          (b)  A procedure prohibited by Subsection (a) does not   include nail filing, nail trimming, or the placement of temporary   nail caps on a claw of a cat.          (c)  A person may perform a procedure described by Subsection   (a) if:                (1)  the procedure:                      (A)  addresses an existing or recurring   infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the cat's paw,   nail bed, or toe bone that jeopardizes the cat's health; and                      (B)  is medically necessary for the cat's health   as documented by a licensed veterinarian; or                (2)  the procedure is performed to protect the life or   health of a cat's owner, or a member of the owner's household, who   has been diagnosed by a licensed physician as having an infection,   disease, or similar condition that could reasonably be expected to   worsen if the cat scratches the owner or household member.          (d)  A person who violates this section is subject to a civil   penalty of $500 for each violation. The attorney general may bring   an action to recover the civil penalty.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.