NY S02176

Expands the definition of animals subject to aggravated cruelty laws to include wildlife (as defined in Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0103), excluding insects, in addition to companion animals

Maintains existing exemptions for lawful hunting, trapping, and fishing under Environmental Conservation Law Article 11

Adds exemption for activities deemed sound agricultural practices under Agriculture and Markets Law § 308

Aggravated cruelty remains defined as conduct intended to cause extreme physical pain or carried out in an especially depraved or sadistic manner

Takes effect 90 days after becoming law