Includes reckless operation of a motor vehicle resulting in the death or serious injury of a companion animal in the definition of aggravated animal cruelty.
Establishes criminal offenses related to cruelty to and the killing of animals; provides for enhanced sentencing and victim statements; requires landlords to check the animal abuser registry; establishes the New York state animal abuser registry; makes conforming changes; repeals provisions relating to aggravated cruelty to animals.
Includes animal cruelty against victim's animal within definition of domestic violence and other types of abuse; establishes immunity for reporting animal cruelty; mandates reporting of animal cruelty in certain circumstances.
Provides that companion animals, as sentient beings, shall be considered victims of animal cruelty crimes, including but not limited to all offenses as defined in article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law, and shall be treated as such in a court of law.