Bill > A09024

This bill establishes comprehensive legal protections for animals in New York State, recognizing companion animals as sentient beings with legal rights. The bill creates new criminal offenses related to animal cruelty, including three primary categories: cruelty to animals (a misdemeanor), aggravated cruelty to animals (a felony), and theriocide (killing an animal during the commission of a felony, which is a class A felony). The legislation introduces a mandatory sentencing enhancement of five years for each animal killed and requires courts to consider the loss of animal life during sentencing. Additionally, the bill establishes a New York State Animal Abuser Registry, which requires individuals convicted of animal abuse crimes to register for ten years, prohibits registered abusers from owning or contacting animals, and mandates that landlords and animal shelters check this registry. The bill also allows victim statements from animal owners or caregivers during sentencing proceedings and makes conforming changes to various existing laws. Notably, the legislation aims to provide stronger legal protections for animals, acknowledging their emotional and psychological significance beyond being considered mere property, and seeks to create some of the most comprehensive animal protection laws in the United States.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9024