PROHIBITING DECLAWING PROCEDURES.
Madison General Ordinances § 23.66
in effect23.66 - PROHIBITING DECLAWING PROCEDURES.
(1) Definitions.
Cat means an animal of the taxonomic family felidae.
Declawing procedure means an onychectomy, partial or complete phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, tendonectomy, or other procedure to alter a cat's toes, claws, or paws to prevent the normal functioning of the cat's toes, claws, or paws. "Declawing procedure" does not include the trimming of nonviable claw husk or placing nonpermanent nail caps.
Onychectomy means a procedure in which a portion of the paw of a cat is amputated to remove or disable a claw, including, without limitation, procedures commonly referred to as declawing.
Partial digital amputation means a procedure for the excision of some or all of one or more of the phalanges of the paw of a cat.
Phalangectomy means a procedure for the excision of one or more of the phalanges of the paw of a cat.
Tendonectomy means a procedure in which the tendons to the limbs, paws, or toes of a cat are cut or modified so that the cat's claws cannot function normally.
Therapeutic purpose means for the purpose of addressing an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claw that jeopardizes the cat's physical health and only when addressing that infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition is determined to be a medical necessity. "Therapeutic purpose" does not include cosmetic or aesthetic purposes or the purpose of making a cat more convenient to keep or handle.
(2) It shall be unlawful to remove or disable a cat's claws by performing a declawing procedure, except as specified in subdivision (3).
(3) Exception. This section does not apply to a partial or complete phalangectomy performed solely for a therapeutic purpose. If it is determined that it is necessary to perform a phalangectomy for a therapeutic purpose, the purpose for performing the phalangectomy shall be documented.
(4) Any person violating this section shall be subject to a forfeiture of up to two thousand dollars ($2,000). Each and every day of violation may be considered a separate offense.
(Cr. by ORD-21-00088, 12-15-21)
Source: City of Madison, Wisconsin, Madison General Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wi/madison/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORMAWIVOIICH20--31_CH23OFAGPUPO_23.66PRDEPRFetched: 11/1/2026