Establishes the crime of endangering the welfare of a companion animal or farm animal

This bill creates two new criminal offenses for harming companion animals (like pets) and farm animals (like livestock). Endangering welfare in the second degree (a misdemeanor) occurs when someone recklessly causes suffering, while the first degree (a felony) applies when someone intentionally or negligently causes injury or death. Key exemptions include normal farming practices (like slaughter or standard care), veterinary procedures, and approved research. The law aims to protect animals from unnecessary harm while explicitly excluding routine agricultural and veterinary activities.