3 days ago
Governor Ron DeSantis signs two bills to help ‘stand by man's best friend'
FLORIDA (WMBB) – Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida Senate Bill 150, Trooper's Law and Florida House Bill 255, Dexter's Law, on Wednesday.
'Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,' DeSantis said. 'I was proud to sign Trooper's Law and Dexter's Law today. Florida stands by man's best friend.'
According to a news release, Trooper's Law makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or at any time in which a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in effect.
Trooper's Law is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Codifies penalties for failing to provide confined animals with sufficient food, water, and exercise and for abandoning an animal, as a misdemeanor for the first degree, with similar fines.
Trooper's Law was inspired by a dog who was rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol after being left chained up in the path of Hurricane Milton last year.
Dexter's Law will strengthen penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, including a 1.25 sentencing multiplier and ensure that offenders face appropriate criminal penalties
Additionally, the bill will create Florida's first animal abuser database to prevent abuse and protect communities.
Dexter's Law was named after a shelter dog that was brutally killed days after being adopted in Pinellas County.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
