NY S00387

Expands animal cruelty provisions to specifically protect companion animals by removing them from general animal neglect statutes and establishing separate felony-level protections.

Increases penalties for failing to provide appropriate outdoor shelter to companion animals from a violation with fines of $50-$250 to a felony punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to 2 years imprisonment.

Creates new felony statute (Section 353-g) specifically for refusing or neglecting to provide sufficient food or water to a companion animal, with penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to 2 years imprisonment.

Establishes detailed minimum standards for outdoor shelter including waterproof roofs, insulation, four connected sides, raised floors, offset doors, adequate space for movement, and regular cleaning requirements appropriate to the animal's breed and climate conditions.

Allows courts to seize companion animals for shelter violations and permits daily continuation of violations after 72 hours without correction to constitute separate offenses; animals cannot be returned without proof of proper shelter and completion of any sentence imposed.