Bill > A06722

This bill amends the New York criminal procedure law to allow bail for individuals charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which is defined in section 353-a of the agriculture and markets law. Currently, certain offenses like criminal possession of a weapon and criminal sale of a firearm to a minor have restrictions on bail, and this bill adds aggravated cruelty to animals to the list of offenses where bail can be considered. The bill modifies three different sections of the criminal procedure law (sections 510.10, 530.20, and 530.40) to include this new provision, essentially giving judges the discretion to set bail for defendants charged with severe animal cruelty offenses. By allowing bail for these cases, the legislation provides more flexibility in the judicial process for such animal abuse cases, recognizing the serious nature of aggravated cruelty to animals while preserving the defendant's right to seek bail. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6722