Bill > A01966

This bill amends the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law to expand animal cruelty protections to include wildlife animals, specifically those defined in the Environmental Conservation Law (excluding insects). The bill modifies existing language to clarify that a person can be found guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals if they intentionally kill or cause serious physical injury to a companion animal or wildlife without a justifiable purpose. Aggravated cruelty is defined as conduct intended to cause extreme physical pain or carried out in an especially depraved or sadistic manner. The bill also preserves existing exemptions for legally authorized activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, agricultural practices, pest management, dispatch of rabid or diseased animals, and scientific research, ensuring that these activities are not considered violations of the animal cruelty provisions. The law will take effect 90 days after it becomes law, providing time for relevant parties to understand and implement the new provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1966