Is Cat Declawing Illegal in New Hampshire?

My first pet was a cat we adopted when he was about six. His front paws were declawed and he was a troubled soul. I don't think his behavioral issues stemmed solely from the fact that he was declawed, but it certainly didn't help. It always seemed like he was frustrated and almost uncomfortable in his own body.  He also came from owners that didn't provide the best living conditions for the poor guy.

A few years into owning him he escaped out our screen door one night while we were all sleeping and we never saw him again. We suspect it was because of the coyote problems in our neighborhood at the time.

What does a declawing procedure entail?

Declawing cats is a controversial practice. It involves amputating the last joints of a cat's toes. It's often performed for cosmetic reasons or to make cats easier to manage. However, declawing can be painful and may cause cats to develop behavioral issues. 

Someone once compared declawing a cat to removing the top knuckle of a human finger. I never thought of it the same way since. Many consider this a mutilating procedure. 

Is declawing illegal in some states?

A few states have completely banned the practice such as New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Many cities have too including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin.

Where does New Hampshire stand with declawing cats?

• in 2023, the New Hampshire legislature introduced House Bill 231, this bill would have made declawing cats illegal. The bill passed the House but died in the Senate. 
• In February 2025, the House again rejected a bill to ban declawing cats, this time by a vote of 191-177. The bill would have fined violators $500 for a first offense and increased the fine for subsequent violations. 

So the short answer is no, declawing cats is not currently illegal in New Hampshire, as a bill to ban the practice was rejected in February 2025.

Do you think declawing cats should be illegal in our state?