Bill > S02019

This bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law to impose harsher penalties for individuals who commit multiple animal cruelty offenses. Specifically, the bill creates a new offense of "aggravated cruelty to animals" when someone has been previously convicted of an animal cruelty offense within the past 10 years. This new offense is punishable as a Class E felony, with increased penalties for repeat offenders (Class D felony for a second animal cruelty conviction, and Class C felony for a second conviction of aggravated cruelty to animals). The bill aims to deter and punish individuals who repeatedly engage in acts of animal cruelty.