Florida makes animal abandonment during disasters a felony
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed new laws Wednesday, May 28, aimed at cracking down on animal abuse. The move follows a story from Hurricane Milton, which DeSantis referenced as a key reason for pushing the legislation and imposing harsher penalties.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” said DeSantis. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
Trooper’s Law
Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall in October 2024, Florida Highway Patrol troopers in Tampa rescued a dog that had been tied to a pole in the storm’s path. “The water was rising very quickly, and so it was getting close to his neck, and had he just been left there, he may have ended up drowning,” said DeSantis during the bill’s signing.
DeSantis said the dog was left to “suffer alone,” calling the incident a clear example of why stronger protections were needed. “If you evacuate, make sure you’re taking care of your pets. You cannot leave a dog behind if you’re in an evacuation zone,” said DeSantis.
Now signed into law and named Trooper’s Law in honor of the rescued dog, the legislation makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation. Offenders could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
DeSantis highlighted the urgency of enacting the law ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. He emphasized that every county in Florida has a pet-friendly shelter, and can help care for your pet during an emergency or natural disaster.
Dexter’s Law
Dexter’s story also helped inspire House Bill 255. He was adopted from a Florida shelter, but found decapitated four days later, highlighting the need for better safeguards to prevent known abusers from adopting animals.
“It just shows, when issues arise, Florida steps up. We lead and we get the job done,” DeSantis said.
The law also strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, adding a sentencing multiplier for those convicted. In addition to tougher consequences, the provision known as Dexter’s Law establishes a statewide database to track animal abusers, aiming to break the cycle of repeated offenses. It’s the first site of its kind in Florida.
Dexter’s Law is set to take effect July 1, while Trooper’s Law will go into effect Oct. 1.
“Both these bills will save lives –– not possibly, not hopefully –– they will save lives,” said Lauree Simmons, founder and CEO of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, a no-kill shelter in Florida. “They will force people to think twice before they abandon a dog or commit acts of cruelty we see far too often.”
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
