NY S00298

Expands animal cruelty laws to specifically cover companion animals (dogs and cats) left outdoors without adequate food, water, or shelter, classifying violations as felonies instead of misdemeanors.

Increases penalties from fines of $50-$250 to felony charges with fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years for failure to provide appropriate shelter.

Establishes minimum shelter standards including waterproof roofing, insulation, four connected sides with raised flooring, offset doors to prevent drafts, dry bedding, and regular cleaning to maintain sanitary conditions.

Requires shade protection for restrained companion animals and mandates solid foundations for outdoor enclosures; each day of non-compliance after 72 hours constitutes a separate offense.

Creates new felony provision for refusing or neglecting to supply companion animals with sufficient food or water that impairs their health, with penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and/or two years imprisonment.