NY S05117

Creates a new Class D felony offense for "causing the death of an animal" when a person commits animal cruelty under existing law (sections 353 or 353-a) that results in an animal's death

Removes "or kills" language from section 353 animal cruelty statute, which previously treated killing as part of the misdemeanor offense

Removes "intentionally kills or" language from section 353-a aggravated cruelty statute, establishing that intentional killing is no longer part of that offense

Establishes that animal cruelty resulting in death will be prosecuted as a separate Class D felony rather than as part of the underlying cruelty charges

Takes effect immediately upon enactment