Bill > S05414

This bill amends the New York agriculture and markets law to establish a new criminal offense called "causing the death of an animal" which would be classified as a class D felony. The bill modifies existing sections of law related to animal cruelty by removing language about killing animals and replacing it with more specific provisions about intentionally causing serious physical injury or extreme pain to animals. Specifically, the bill creates a new section that makes it a felony to commit certain acts of animal cruelty that result in an animal's death, and it revises existing sections about animal mistreatment to remove explicit references to killing and to update language around intentional cruelty. The changes clarify and strengthen legal protections for animals by providing more precise definitions of cruel treatment and establishing a more serious criminal penalty when such actions lead to an animal's death. The law applies to both wild and domesticated animals and covers situations where a person intentionally causes extreme physical pain, acts in a depraved or sadistic manner, or fails to provide necessary sustenance to an animal.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5414