Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1220: Prohibition on declawing cats.
Status: In committee, January 5, 2026
Prohibits a person from declawing cats in Indiana.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning agriculture and animals.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning agriculture and animals. SECTION 1. IC 15-20-5.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Chapter 5.5. Cat Declawing Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "cat" means an animal of the species Felis catus. Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "declawing" means an onychectomy or any other surgical procedure or (2) modify; a portion of a cat's paw in order to remove the cat's claws. Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "tendonectomy" means a procedure in which the tendons to a cat' (2) paws; or (3) toes; are cut or modified so that the normal functioning of the claws is 2026 IN 1220--LS 6298/DI impaired. Sec. 4. (a) As used in this chapter, "therapeutic purpose" means a medically necessary procedure to address an existing or recurring infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in a cat' (2) nail bed; or (3) toe bone; that jeopardizes the cat's health. (b) The term does not include a procedure performed for a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose or to make the cat more convenient to keep or handle. Sec. 5. (a) A person shall not (2) declawing; or (3) a tendonectomy; on a cat or otherwise alter a cat's toes, claws, …
Sponsors
- Kyle Miller (D, HD-082) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
- : Authored by Representative Miller K
Subjects: ANIMALS; Domestic Animals and Pets
Common questions
- What is HB1220?
- HB1220 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Prohibition on declawing cats.
- What does HB1220 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning agriculture and animals.
- What is the status of HB1220?
- In committee as of January 5, 2026. Latest action: First reading: referred to Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (January 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1220?
- Kyle Miller (D, HD-082).
- Where is the official record for HB1220?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1220
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.