Establishes certain animal abuse offenses committed in manner manifesting extreme indifference to value of animal's life as crime of second degree; designated as "River's Law."

This bill elevates severe animal cruelty against domestic pets to a second-degree crime, punishable by 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000. It specifically targets acts like torture, mutilation, or causing death through extreme indifference to a pet's life - such as repeatedly beating or poisoning an animal. The law applies directly to individuals who commit these acts against companion animals, while maintaining existing penalties for less severe abuse. It is named "River's Law" after a pet that suffered such cruelty. The bill amends New Jersey's animal cruelty statute (R.S.4:22-17) to create this higher penalty tier.