Bill > A02019

This bill amends the New York agriculture and markets law to modify the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals by removing the word "serious" before "physical injury" when describing the offense. Currently, a person can be found guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals if they intentionally kill or cause serious physical injury to a companion animal without a justifiable purpose, and with the intent to cause extreme physical pain or in an especially depraved or sadistic manner. The bill eliminates the requirement that the physical injury be "serious," which potentially broadens the legal definition and could make it easier to prosecute cases of animal cruelty. The bill also makes a minor linguistic change, replacing "[he or she]" with "such person" in the statute's language. The amendment aims to provide more comprehensive legal protection for companion animals by lowering the threshold for what constitutes aggravated cruelty. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2019