NY S05115

Amends Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353-a to expand the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals to include committing a Section 353 offense (animal cruelty) when previously convicted of the same offense within the past ten years.

Changes sentencing classification for aggravated cruelty convictions: Class E felony for basic aggravated cruelty under paragraph (A); Class D felony if defendant previously convicted of a Section 353 animal cruelty offense; Class C felony if previously convicted of aggravated cruelty under this section.

Eliminates previous sentencing provision that limited imprisonment to a maximum of two years, allowing for longer sentences based on the new felony classifications.

Maintains existing exemptions for lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, animal dispatch for public safety, and approved scientific research and testing.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.