NY S06187

Adds a new subsection to aggravated cruelty to animals law that makes it an offense when a person commits a basic animal cruelty violation (Section 353) and has a prior conviction for the same offense within the past 10 years.

Changes sentencing for aggravated cruelty to animals from a definite sentence not to exceed 2 years to a class E felony for first-time offenders.

Elevates the offense to a class D felony for defendants convicted under the new repeat offender provision who previously committed basic animal cruelty.

Elevates the offense to a class C felony for defendants with a prior conviction for aggravated cruelty to animals itself.

Preserves existing exceptions for lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, animal control, disease prevention, and approved scientific research.