Bill > A06602

This bill establishes two new criminal offenses under the New York agriculture and markets law related to endangering the welfare of companion and farm animals. The first offense, endangering an animal in the second degree, occurs when a person recklessly engages in conduct likely to cause suffering or injury to an animal, which is classified as a class A misdemeanor with a potential one-year imprisonment. The second offense, endangering an animal in the first degree, is a more serious crime committed when an owner, caretaker, or harborer of an animal intentionally causes physical injury, knowingly acts in a way likely to cause suffering, recklessly causes suffering or death, or criminally negligently causes serious injury or death to an animal, which is classified as a class E felony with a potential two-year imprisonment. The bill specifically exempts certain actions from being considered violations, including standard agricultural practices like animal slaughter, routine animal husbandry, veterinary procedures, and research or testing within approved facilities. The law is designed to protect animals from deliberate or negligent harm while still allowing for necessary and standard animal-related practices. The bill will take effect 60 days after becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6602