NY S00186

Expands the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals under Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353-a to include two distinct scenarios: intentionally killing or causing serious physical injury to a companion animal with aggravated cruelty, or causing intentional physical injury or death to a companion animal during the commission of a felony or immediate flight therefrom.

Defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intended to cause extreme physical pain or carried out in an especially depraved or sadistic manner.

Applies to companion animals harmed during felony commission with lower threshold of "intentional physical injury" (rather than "serious physical injury" required in the first scenario).

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.