NY S00096

Amends Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353-a to expand the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals to include two separate 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 conduct carried out in an especially depraved or sadistic manner.

Applies to companion animals only and uses existing statutory definitions of "serious physical injury" and "intentional physical injury" from Agriculture and Markets Law Section 108.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.