Expands the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals

This bill expands the legal definition of "aggravated cruelty to animals" under New York law to include intentionally causing serious physical injury or using a weapon against companion animals. It directly affects individuals who commit severe animal cruelty, making these actions punishable as aggravated cruelty rather than lesser offenses. The key change adds three specific scenarios to the definition: conduct causing extreme pain/serious injury, especially depraved/sadistic acts, or the use of a weapon. The amendment applies immediately upon enactment and focuses on strengthening penalties for the most severe animal cruelty cases.