MD Veterinary Medical Board

Prohibits Cat Declawing With Limited Exceptions, Establishes Penalties

The Maryland General Assembly enacted SB0067T, prohibiting veterinary practitioners and other persons from performing declawing procedures on cats except when necessary for a therapeutic purpose. The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners may discipline licensees for willful violations, including license suspension or revocation, censuring, or probation. First offenses by licensees carry penalties up to $5,000; subsequent offenses up to $10,000. Unlicensed persons face civil fines up to $1,000.

Guidance on Task Supervision Levels for Veterinary Technicians and Assistants

The Maryland Veterinary Medical Board issued guidance clarifying supervision levels for veterinary technicians and assistants regarding specific tasks. The document clarifies that veterinary technicians may perform emergency euthanasia and initiate CPR before practitioner evaluation, while trained veterinary assistants may aid in CPR, administer vaccines following recent examination, fill non-controlled prescriptions, and perform intubation/catheter procedures under immediate supervision. Controlled substance access remains prohibited for assistants.

Animal Welfare - Declawing Cats - Prohibited Acts (SB0067)

Maryland Senate Bill 0067, sponsored by Senator Kagan, was enacted as Chapter 179 during the 2022 Regular Session. The law prohibits certain acts related to declawing cats under the state's animal welfare framework. The bill received gubernatorial approval and establishes violations for veterinary or animal welfare-related entities that perform cat declawing procedures.