Expands aggravated cruelty to animals to include all animals

This bill (A 6373) amends New York's agriculture and markets law to expand the definition of "aggravated cruelty to animals" to apply to **all animals**, not just companion animals like pets. It removes the previous restriction that limited the law to "companion" animals, meaning the legal standard for severe cruelty now covers every animal species. The key change modifies the law's language to define "aggravated cruelty" as conduct causing extreme pain or being especially depraved/sadistic, regardless of the animal's type. This update directly affects how animal cruelty cases are prosecuted under state law, ensuring all animals are protected under the same severe penalty framework. The bill was referred to the Agriculture committee on March 4, 2025.