Relates to aggravated cruelty to animals

S 1781 amends New York's animal cruelty law to broaden the definition of "aggravated cruelty" to companion animals. It removes the previous requirement that an animal must be killed to qualify as aggravated cruelty, making it a crime to intentionally cause serious injury or kill a pet with extreme pain or sadistic conduct. The bill directly affects individuals who commit severe animal abuse, expanding legal consequences beyond cases resulting in death. Key provisions clarify that "aggravated cruelty" includes acts intended to cause extreme suffering or carried out in a depraved manner, regardless of whether the animal dies. This change creates a clearer legal standard for prosecuting severe animal cruelty cases.