Amends GS 14-360, concerning cruelty to animals, as follows. Expands upon the offense to also make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to deprive an animal of adequate shelter or adequate space or to cause any animal to be deprived of the same. Adds and defines the terms adequate shelter, adequate space, extreme weather, freedom of movement, and lawful hunt. Excludes from the offense under the statute the use of a dog in a lawful hunt. Makes additional clarifying changes.  Effective December 1, 2022.

Appropriates $100,000 for 2022-23 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a public awareness campaign about the changes made by this act. Effective July 1, 2022.