Bill > A03880

This bill enhances penalties for animal cruelty offenses by modifying existing law to create escalating criminal charges for repeat offenders. Specifically, the bill establishes that a person can be found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty in two scenarios: first, by intentionally killing or causing serious physical injury to a companion animal with extreme or sadistic intent, and second, by committing an animal cruelty offense and having a previous conviction for a similar offense within the past ten years. The penalty structure now increases in severity for repeat offenders, starting with a class E felony for the first offense, escalating to a class D felony for those with a prior animal cruelty conviction, and advancing to a class C felony for individuals with multiple prior convictions. The bill maintains existing legal exceptions for activities like hunting, fishing, dispatching rabid animals, and scientific research. These changes aim to provide stronger legal consequences for individuals who repeatedly demonstrate cruel behavior towards animals, reflecting a more stringent approach to animal protection under New York state law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3880