Latest news with #Dexter'sLaw
UPI
2 days ago
- UPI
Dog tied to fence during hurricane inspires law banning pet abandonment
A bull terrier found tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached Florida last fall has inspired a new state law against pet abandonment. Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles The dog who was left to drown during a hurricane is now the face of a new Florida law. On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed "Trooper's Law," making it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a declared natural disaster or when an evacuation order is in effect. The law was named after a bull terrier found tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached Florida last fall. The dog was discovered on Oct. 9 along Interstate 75 near Tampa, as evacuees fled the path of the Category 4 storm. Body camera footage shows Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales crossing a flooded field in the pouring rain to reach the frightened dog, who stood chest-deep in water and barked in fear. "I don't blame you," Morales said gently, trying to calm the animal. "It's OK." The dog's owner, 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia, told investigators he had been heading to Georgia to escape the storm but left the dog, originally named Jumbo, behind "because he couldn't find anyone" to care for him. He was later charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony. In a statement, Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez said, "Quite frankly, I don't think [five years] is enough," and urged lawmakers to consider tougher penalties for abandoning pets during emergencies. The dog was renamed Trooper in honor of Trooper Morales and was adopted by a couple in Parkland, Florida. Trooper recently survived cancer and stomach surgery after ingesting more than 100 pieces of garbage while in his former owner's care. Signed this week, Senate Bill 150 makes it a third-degree felony to leave a dog restrained and unattended during a declared disaster, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It also codifies existing misdemeanor penalties for failing to provide confined animals with adequate food, water, shelter and exercise. DeSantis also signed Dexter's Law on Tuesday, a second bill that strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. Named after a shelter dog who was killed just days after being adopted, the legislation ensures that those convicted of extreme abuse face criminal consequences that reflect the seriousness of the crime. "Florida stands by man's best friend," DeSantis said in a statement. Safe, healthy and loved, Trooper was recently honored as Parkland's "Favorite Dog" and now his name is part of Florida law.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida enacts Dexter's and Trooper's Law to combat animal abuse
TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — Two new state laws aimed at protecting animals and increasing accountability for abusers are set to take effect in Florida, following the recent signing of Dexter's Law and Trooper's Law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Dexter's Law, named after a dog found brutally decapitated and stuffed into a plastic bag days after being adopted in 2023, strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates Florida's first-ever public registry of convicted animal abusers. The law takes effect July 1. The measure introduces a 1.25 sentencing multiplier in cases of aggravated animal cruelty and requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to maintain a searchable database identifying individuals convicted of such offenses. Supporters say the law is a critical tool for transparency, deterrence, and prevention. 'Making the identities of convicted abusers public will empower shelters, rescue groups, and adopters to protect vulnerable animals,' said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Campaign Director for In Defense of Animals. 'Dexter's Law is justice for Dexter — and a powerful safeguard for other animals statewide.' In Defense of Animals, a national nonprofit, led advocacy efforts with more than 14,000 signatures pushing for justice in Dexter's case and over 1,000 Floridians contacting lawmakers to demand legislative change. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney, Sen. Tom Leek, and Rep. Meg Weinberger, and championed by Port Orange resident Debbie Darino, also behind 2018's Ponce's Law. Gov. DeSantis also signed Trooper's Law, which makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or mandatory evacuation. Named after a bull terrier rescued by Florida Highway Patrol during Hurricane Milton, the law goes into effect Oct. 1. The new laws are especially relevant to the Tampa Bay area, where hurricanes and tropical storms are regular threats. Local animal advocates say Trooper's Law could be lifesaving for pets and first responders alike during future emergencies. 'These are commonsense protections that reflect how seriously Floridians value the safety of animals,' said Amy Rondeau, a longtime Tampa Bay volunteer with rescue organizations. 'Trooper's Law will encourage more people to think twice before leaving dogs behind when a storm hits.' Experts note that these laws go beyond animal welfare. Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, a psychiatrist and president of In Defense of Animals, says cruelty to animals often correlates with human violence. 'Dexter's Law is not just about protecting dogs — it's a public safety measure,' Kroplick said. 'Identifying abusers can help prevent further trauma and violence in our communities.' With the enactment of both laws, Florida becomes one of the few states with a public animal abuse registry — a move animal rights groups hope other states will emulate. For Tampa Bay residents, the laws offer reassurance that abusers will face greater consequences and that pets, particularly during the state's tumultuous hurricane season, will have stronger protections. More information and resources are available through In Defense of Animals at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dog tied to fence during Hurricane Milton inspires Florida law banning pet abandonment in disasters
The dog who was left to drown during a hurricane is now the face of a new Florida law. On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed "Trooper's Law," making it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a declared natural disaster or when an evacuation order is in effect. The law was named after a bull terrier found tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached Florida last fall. The dog was discovered on Oct. 9 along Interstate 75 near Tampa, as evacuees fled the path of the Category 4 storm. Body camera footage shows Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales crossing a flooded field in the pouring rain to reach the frightened dog, who stood chest-deep in water and barked in fear. "I don't blame you," Morales said gently, trying to calm the animal. "It's OK." The dog's owner, 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia, told investigators he had been heading to Georgia to escape the storm but left the dog, originally named Jumbo, behind "because he couldn't find anyone" to care for him. He was later charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony. In a statement, Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez said, "Quite frankly, I don't think [five years] is enough," and urged lawmakers to consider tougher penalties for abandoning pets during emergencies. The dog was renamed Trooper in honor of Trooper Morales and was adopted by a couple in Parkland, Florida. Trooper recently survived cancer and stomach surgery after ingesting more than 100 pieces of garbage while in his former owner's care. Signed this week, Senate Bill 150 makes it a third-degree felony to leave a dog restrained and unattended during a declared disaster, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It also codifies existing misdemeanor penalties for failing to provide confined animals with adequate food, water, shelter and exercise. DeSantis also signed Dexter's Law on Tuesday, a second bill that strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. Named after a shelter dog who was killed just days after being adopted, the legislation ensures that those convicted of extreme abuse face criminal consequences that reflect the seriousness of the crime. "Florida stands by man's best friend," DeSantis said in a statement. Safe, healthy and loved, Trooper was recently honored as Parkland's "Favorite Dog" and now his name is part of Florida law.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida dog found chained during hurricane leads to new law during natural disasters
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed several bills into law aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty, including one inspired by a dog left abandoned during Hurricane Milton in 2024. The measures, named "Trooper's Law" and "Dexter's Law," were signed during a ceremony on Wednesday at a dog rescue facility in South Florida. Trooper's Law makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outside during a natural disaster or the preparedness stage of an emergency. The law is named after a dog who was found chained to a fence along Interstate 75 outside of Tampa during the evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The bull terrier was rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol member and later given the appropriate name of "Trooper." The new law makes similar actions punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Florida Troopers Rescue Dog Tied To Pole Amid Hurricane Milton Floodwaters The other major bill, known as "Dexter's Law," increases criminal penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. Dexter's Law is named after a dog in St. Petersburg, who was killed just days after being adopted. The measure also permits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to compile a database of people convicted of animal-cruelty offenses. Once operational, the database will be public, allowing users to search for convicted animal cruelty violators. Dexter's Law will go into effect on July 1 and Trooper's Law is expected to go into effect later this year in October. "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." Construction Crane Crashes Into St. Petersburg Building During Hurricane Milton Despite the flurry of signings Wednesday, several hurricane-related measures remain in limbo with the tropical weather season beginning in just a matter of days. After the destruction caused by a falling crane in a building in downtown St. Petersburg during Hurricane Milton's 100-mph winds, legislators passed a measure requiring construction job sites to secure cranes and other equipment before the arrival of damaging winds. The governor has yet to sign the bill and has given no indication that he intends to do so. Additionally, the legislature has not yet passed the state's annual budget, meaning that tax relief that some shoppers depend on for hurricane supplies is on hold. Florida's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday allows supplies such as flashlights, batteries, tarps and other needed materials to be sold tax-free during a limited timeframe. Hurricane season in the Atlantic basin begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, but Florida is most impacted during September and article source: Florida dog found chained during hurricane leads to new law during natural disasters
