NY S02603

Expands the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals to include causing physical injury to a companion animal using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument when the person intends to kill or cause serious physical injury

Creates a new subsection covering attempted serious harm with weapons, even if the actual injury caused is less severe than intended

References Penal Law definitions for "deadly weapon" (subdivision 12 of section 10.00) and "dangerous instrument" (subdivision 13 of section 10.00)

Maintains existing definition of "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intended to cause extreme physical pain or carried out in an especially depraved or sadistic manner

Takes effect immediately upon passage