DeSantis signs 2 bills stemming from Tampa Bay animal abuse cases
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – As Hurricane Milton was inching closer to Tampa Bay, many evacuated along with their pets. However, one bull terrier was found tied to a fence along Interstate 75 in Tampa. That dog, named Trooper, was rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol. Now, there's a new law named in his honor that was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.
'This story is exactly the type of cruelty that we cannot tolerate in the free state of Florida,' DeSantis said.
Trooper's previous owner, who has since been charged with aggravated animal cruelty told authorities that he was evacuating to Georgia, and nobody would pick up the dog.
'That's bad enough, but the water was rising very quickly,' DeSantis said.
What's known as 'Trooper's Law' makes it a third-degree felony for abandoning or neglecting an animal during an emergency or natural disaster. If convicted, that's up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Trooper Orlando Morales rescued the dog and still keeps in touch with his new owners.
'He is doing absolutely amazing. I get pictures and videos,' Morales said.
DeSantis also signed a bill dubbed 'Dexter's Law' after a bull terrier was found decapitated last year in Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County just days after being adopted.
Domingo Rodriguez was convicted earlier this year and sentenced to a year and 60 days in jail.
'Current sentencing guidelines don't match the gravity of these crimes and it was evident that Florida law needed to do more to protect dogs from senseless violence,' DeSantis said.
The new law offers tougher sentencing multipliers. That will give judges the ability to force someone to stay behind bars longer.
Animal Advocate Debbie Darino fought for the bill that will include a public database of those convicted or guilty of animal abuse.
'Dexter's Law seeks to deter animal cruelty and holds offenders more accountable for their actions,' Darino said.
On its website, the American Kennel Club has these two bills listed under 'monitor' meaning it does not support or oppose the measures.
Dexter's Law will go into effect on July 1st. Trooper's law will go into effect on October 1st.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Leading up to a storm, make sure to be prepared with an emergency kit with these items, according to NOAA: Backpack or storage tub to hold your supplies Bottled water, one gallon per person is recommended Non-perishable food and a can opener for canned foods Flashlight with extra batteries First aid supplies Bandages Ointment Disinfectant wipes Any daily or prescription medication taken Tissues Toilet paper and bags with ties for personal sanitation Paper and pen or pencil (to take notes, play games, etc.) Sleeping bag or warm blanket Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Personal hygiene items Whistle to signal for help Important documents (identification, insurance information, banking information, wills, etc.) Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book Battery-powered radio and a NOAA weather radio Formula and diapers for infants Extra pet food A dust mask or cotton T-shirt to help filter the air Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Cups and utensils A change of clothes for each person in your home Rain gear Cash Paper towels Fire Extinguisher Cards or games Do not stay outside; get to shelter as quickly as possible Avoid being by windows, doors and outside walls Do not wait until you see or hear the tornado Do not open windows or doors Do not take shelter under a highway overpass if you're caught in a tornado while in your car You can sign up for emergency alerts on your phone at Check with your service provider to find out if your cell phone or mobile device is compatible with receiving wireless emergency alerts. However, not all wireless service providers offer wireless emergency alerts, and some participating service providers may not offer it on all mobile devices, according to the Federal Communications Commission. NWS recap: 11 tornadoes confirmed, 3 more suspected on the Treasure Coast Exclusive look: Inside Spanish Lakes after Hurricane Milton killed six people If you do not receive emergency alerts, check with your service provider to see if your mobile device is compatible. If it is, and you still don't receive messages, check out your user manual, or if you have an iPhone, follow these steps: Go to settings and click on the notifications tab. Scroll to the bottom of the screen. Under government alerts, turn the type of alert on or off. Each county has its own alert system. You can sign up for AlertMartin, and Alert Indian River on the Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie county websites. Part of preparing for a hurricane is knowing what government agencies to contact in an emergency. Phone: 772-226-3900 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-462-8100 Website: Phone: 772-287-1652 Website: Twitter: Phone: 772-569-6700 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-220-7000 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-462-7300 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-978-4600 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-646-6309 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-589-5233 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-467-6800 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-871-5000 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-287-1122 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-226-3993 Website: Phone: 772-621-3400 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-288-5710 Website: Facebook: Twitter: Phone: 772-288-5360 Website: Gianna Montesano is TCPalm's trending reporter. You can contact her at 772-409-1429, or follow her on X @gonthescene. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane 2025 season forecast shows Florida storm predictions
