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New Jersey Could Become First State To Ban Veterinarians From Declawing Cats

TRENTON (CBS) -- New Jersey could become the first state to make it illegal for veterinarians to declaw cats.

A measure on the topic cleared an Assembly committee on Monday.

If it passes the legislature, it would add declawing to the list of criminal animal cruelty offenses.

There would only be exceptions for medical purposes.

The bill states that anyone who violated the provision would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, and would face a $1,000 fine or six months behind bars. The violator would also be subjected to a civil penalty between $500 to $2,000.

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