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Florida Pet Owners Could Go to Jail for 5 Years for Abandoning Dogs
Florida Pet Owners Could Go to Jail for 5 Years for Abandoning Dogs

Newsweek

time28-05-2025

  • Newsweek

Florida Pet Owners Could Go to Jail for 5 Years for Abandoning Dogs

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed new legislation on Wednesday that will impose tougher penalties on individuals who abandon pets during natural disasters. The laws, announced outside Royal Palm Beach at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, were motivated by recent high-profile animal cruelty cases, including a dog left behind during Hurricane Milton and another found decapitated in a St. Petersburg-area Park. Under the new law, violations occurring during hurricanes or other disasters will be subject to up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A separate measure, also signed this week, increases penalties for severe animal abuse and will take effect on July 1. Why It Matters The new Florida laws were signed into law as the 2025 hurricane season approaches, aiming to better protect pets left vulnerable during emergencies. The changes follow public concern over incidents in recent years where animals were abandoned or severely harmed during crises, prompting state officials to consider enhanced legal deterrents. What To Know The legislation signed by DeSantis means that, starting October 1, individuals who restrain and abandon animals during hurricanes or other designated disasters face substantially tougher criminal penalties. The law authorizes up to five years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for violations. Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference about a recent immigration enforcement operation, at the South Florida office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Enforcement and Removal Operations, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in... Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference about a recent immigration enforcement operation, at the South Florida office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Enforcement and Removal Operations, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Miramar, Fla. More AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell It also establishes failing to provide confined animals with sufficient food, water, and exercise, and abandoning an animal, as first-degree misdemeanors. The measure directly responds to animal cruelty cases during prior storms, most notably a bull terrier left chained to a fence along Interstate 75 during Hurricane Milton. The dog, now named Trooper, was rescued by a state trooper and adopted by a couple in Broward County. DeSantis also enacted a second law to increase penalties for severe acts of cruelty against animals and create an animal abuse database. This bill, which takes effect July 1, was inspired by the case of a decapitated dog named Dexter discovered in a St. Petersburg-area park. "Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis," said DeSantis, who signed the bills while holding a puppy. What People Are Saying DeSantis, in a statement: "Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response. I was proud to sign Trooper's Law and Dexter's Law today. Florida stands by man's best friend." Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, at the bills' signing: "This legislation sends a signal. Enough is enough." What Happens Next The law enhancing penalties for pet abandonment during disasters will take effect on October 1, while the broader animal cruelty statute will be implemented on July 1. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@

DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

time28-05-2025

DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Legislation signed into law Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will impose tougher penalties on people who abandon pets during natural disasters, a measure inspired by the rescue of a dog left in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. With the 2025 hurricane season starting next week, the governor also signed a bill that enhances criminal penalties for severe cruelty to dogs and other pets. The bull terrier found during Hurricane Milton was left chained to a fence along Interstate 75 near Tampa. A state trooper rescued the dog — now named Trooper — and he was adopted by a couple in Broward County, DeSantis said during an event at Big Dog Ranch Rescue outside Royal Palm Beach. The owner of that dog was charged with animal cruelty. Under the new law taking effect Oct. 1, violations taking place during hurricanes or other disasters will be punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 'Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis," said the governor, who signed the bills while cradling a puppy. The second measure was inspired by a St. Petersburg-area case involving a dog named Dexter that was found decapitated at a park. This bill taking effect July 1 allows for a range of enhanced penalties in cases of severe animal abuse.

DeSantis signs law on tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters
DeSantis signs law on tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

New York Post

time28-05-2025

  • Politics
  • New York Post

DeSantis signs law on tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

Legislation signed into law Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will impose tougher penalties on people who abandon pets during natural disasters, a measure inspired by the rescue of a dog left in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. With the 2025 hurricane season starting next week, the governor also signed a bill that enhances criminal penalties for severe cruelty to dogs and other pets. The bull terrier found during Hurricane Milton was left chained to a fence along Interstate 75 near Tampa. Advertisement 3 'Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis,' said Gov. Ron DeSantis, who wants to impose tougher penalties on people who abandon pets during natural disasters. AP A state trooper rescued the dog — now named Trooper — and he was adopted by a couple in Broward County, DeSantis said during an event at Big Dog Ranch Rescue outside Royal Palm Beach. The owner of that dog was charged with animal cruelty. Under the new law taking effect Oct. 1, violations taking place during hurricanes or other disasters will be punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 3 The law was inspired by a dog, now named Trooper, who was left in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. AP Advertisement 3 The bull terrier was left chained to a fence along Interstate 75 near Tampa and rescued by a state trooper. FHP Tampa 'Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis,' said the governor, who signed the bills while cradling a puppy. The second measure was inspired by a St. Petersburg-area case involving a dog named Dexter that was found decapitated at a park. Advertisement This bill taking effect July 1 allows for a range of enhanced penalties in cases of severe animal abuse.

Gov. DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters
Gov. DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

Yahoo

time28-05-2025

  • General
  • Yahoo

Gov. DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Legislation signed into law Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will impose tougher penalties on people who abandon pets during natural disasters, a measure inspired by the rescue of a dog left in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. With the 2025 hurricane season starting next week, the governor also signed a bill that enhances criminal penalties for severe cruelty to dogs and other pets. The bull terrier found during Hurricane Milton was left chained to a fence along Interstate 75 near Tampa. A state trooper rescued the dog — now named Trooper — and he was adopted by a couple in Broward County, DeSantis said during an event at Big Dog Ranch Rescue outside Royal Palm Beach. The owner of that dog was charged with animal cruelty. Under the new law taking effect Oct. 1, violations taking place during hurricanes or other disasters will be punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 'Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis," said the governor, who signed the bills while cradling a puppy. The second measure was inspired by a St. Petersburg-area case involving a dog named Dexter that was found decapitated at a park. This bill taking effect July 1 allows for a range of enhanced penalties in cases of severe animal abuse.

Gov. DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters
Gov. DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

Toronto Star

time28-05-2025

  • Toronto Star

Gov. DeSantis signs law imposing tougher penalties for abandoning pets during disasters

ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Legislation signed into law Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will impose tougher penalties on people who abandon pets during natural disasters, a measure inspired by the rescue of a dog left in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. With the 2025 hurricane season starting next week, the governor also signed a bill that enhances criminal penalties for severe cruelty to dogs and other pets. The bull terrier found during Hurricane Milton was left chained to a fence along Interstate 75 near Tampa. A state trooper rescued the dog — now named Trooper — and he was adopted by a couple in Broward County, DeSantis said during an event at Big Dog Ranch Rescue outside Royal Palm Beach. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The owner of that dog was charged with animal cruelty. Under the new law taking effect Oct. 1, violations taking place during hurricanes or other disasters will be punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 'Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis,' said the governor, who signed the bills while cradling a puppy. The second measure was inspired by a St. Petersburg-area case involving a dog named Dexter that was found decapitated at a park. This bill taking effect July 1 allows for a range of enhanced penalties in cases of severe animal abuse.

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