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

House Resolution

H.Res. 985

119th Congress

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

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 13, 2026

Primary Sponsor

Sponsor information unavailable

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Summary

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' opposition to declawing cats when it is done as an elective procedure. Declawing, medically called onychectomy, involves surgically removing a cat's claws, and this resolution takes a position against performing this surgery unless medically necessary.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Introduced1/13/2026

StatusReferred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

ChamberHouse

Data from Congress.gov

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Vote Prediction

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

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' opposition to declawing cats when it is done as an elective procedure. Declawing, medically called onychectomy, involves surgically removing a cat's claws, and this resolution takes a position against per

Community Breakdown

Pass

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Fail

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This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' opposition to declawing cats when it is done as an elective procedure. Declawing, medically called onychectomy, involves surgically removing a cat's claws, and this resolution takes a position against performing this surgery unless medically necessary.

Bill Number: 985
Introduced: 1/13/2026
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: Expressing opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as declawing, for elective surgery in cats.
Bill Number: 985
Sponsor: No sponsor
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Introduced: 1/13/2026
Summary: This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' opposition to declawing cats when it is done as an elective procedure. Declawing, medically called onychectomy, involves surgically removing a cat's claws, and this resolution takes a position against performing this surgery unless medically ne

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' opposition to declawing cats when it is done as an elective procedure. Declawing, medically called onychectomy, involves surgically removing a cat's claws, and this resolution takes a position against performing this surgery unless medically necessary.

Last updated: 2/25/2026

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The resolution opposes the practice of declawing cats when done as an elective or non-medical procedure.
Declawing is the surgical removal of a cat's claws, which is also known by the medical term onychectomy.
This is a resolution expressing an opinion rather than a law that would ban or regulate the practice.
The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for consideration.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This resolution would primarily affect veterinarians who perform declawing procedures and cat owners who might consider having their cats declawed for convenience reasons. As a non-binding resolution, it would not create any legal requirements or penalties, but rather expresses Congress's position on the practice. The resolution could influence future legislation or veterinary standards regarding cat declawing procedures.

Policy Areas

No policy areas assigned yet.

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

985, 119th Congress (2026). "Expressing opposition to the use of onychectomy, also known as declawing, for elective surgery in cats.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hres-985

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