New York lawmakers on Tuesday approved a ban on cat declawing, moving one step closer to becoming the first state to do so.

The state legislature voted to amend the agriculture and markets law by adding section 381, which prohibits the declawing of cats. Under the new law, except for therapeutic purposes, no person shall perform a declawing, partial or complete phalangectomy or tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat within the state of New York.

Therapeutic purpose means the necessity to address the physical medical condition of the cat, but does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the cat. Those who violate the ban could face up to $1,000 in fines.

The declawing bill now awaits the signature of Governor Andrew Cuomo.