Bill > A00546

This bill amends the New York Agriculture and Markets Law to increase the penalties for animal cruelty. Currently, torturing, overloading, cruelly beating, or depriving an animal of necessary sustenance is a class A misdemeanor. The bill introduces a new provision that makes a second violation of these animal cruelty provisions within five years a felony. Specifically, if an individual is convicted of animal cruelty and then commits a similar offense within five years of the first conviction, they can be charged with a felony. The maximum sentence for this felony is set at two years of imprisonment, which must be a definite sentence. The bill maintains existing exceptions for scientific research involving animals, which must be approved by the state commissioner of health and conducted under specific guidelines. The new law will take effect on the first day of December following its enactment, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these enhanced penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A546