CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · H.Res. 985· House(119-HRES-985)

Expressing opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as declawing, for elective surgery in cats.

Rep. Nadler
Age: 79 years
New York
Introduced
1/9/2026
Last activity
1/13/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Sponsored by
Jerrold Nadler
Cosponsors
Democrat - 20Republican - 0
Animals
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.

What this bill would do

This resolution expresses opposition to the use of onychectomy, or declawing, for elective purposes in cats. It defines declawing as any procedure that removes or disables a cat's claws or normal claw function. The resolution notes that such procedures can cause long-lasting physical and behavioral issues for cats. It states that these surgeries can also increase public health risks due to increased biting. The resolution urges state legislatures to consider banning these elective procedures to protect animal welfare and public health. Finally, it affirms a commitment to advancing animal protection in the United States.