Bill > S00250

This bill amends the New York agriculture and markets law to expand animal cruelty protections to include wildlife, specifically defining wildlife as those species outlined in the environmental conservation law (excluding insects). The bill modifies existing language to broaden the definition of aggravated cruelty, which includes intentionally killing or causing serious physical injury to a companion animal or wildlife in a manner that either intends to cause extreme physical pain or is carried out in an especially depraved or sadistic manner. The bill also maintains important exceptions for activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, agricultural practices, pest management, and scientific research, ensuring that legally sanctioned activities are not prohibited. These modifications aim to provide additional legal protections for wildlife while preserving legitimate and regulated interactions with animals. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, allowing time for legal and enforcement preparation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S250