Provides that failure to provide shelter to animals is an act of cruelty to animals

This bill amends New York's animal cruelty laws to explicitly classify failure to provide shelter to animals as an act of cruelty. It directly affects pet owners, livestock keepers, and anyone responsible for animal care by requiring them to ensure animals have adequate shelter. The law maintains existing protections against abuse while clarifying that neglect of basic needs like shelter constitutes a class A misdemeanor. Scientific research using animals in approved laboratories remains exempt from these requirements, with oversight provided by the state health commissioner. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.