Amends GS 14-360 (Cruelty to animals) to add intentionally depriving an animal of adequate shelter or space to the acts that constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Makes each separate act a separate offense under the section. Specifies that if the offender is a “companion animal hoarder” the judge must impose a requirement for a psychological evaluation and require compliance with any treatment recommended from the evaluation. Imposes the same companion animal hoarder evaluation requirement in subsection (a1), regarding killing of an animal by intentional depravation. Amends subsection (b) by making each act of maliciously mutilating, torturing, or killing an animal a separate offense. Provides applicable definitions in subsection (c), including definitions of adequate shelter, adequate space, and companion animal hoarder. Makes the use of a dog in a lawful hunt an exception to the statute under subsection (d).

Allows ordinances regulating the standard of care for companion animals that were adopted prior to act to remain in effect, and permits the adoption of additional ordinances that meet or exceed the requirements of GS 14-360 as amended by the act.

Effective and applicable to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.