NY S03730

Expands the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals to include reckless conduct that creates a grave risk of serious physical injury or death to an animal when done with "depraved indifference to the life of an animal"

Current law only covers intentional killing or causing serious physical injury to companion animals with no justifiable purpose; the amendment adds a second pathway to prosecution based on reckless conduct

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

Introduced by Senators Lanza and Murray and referred to the Committee on Agriculture

Takes effect immediately upon passage