Latest news with #Trooper'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
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Only in Florida: Jacksonville police seek man who stole ferret by concealing in shorts
May is winding down with record-challenging heat. First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh says today will be the 18th 90 degree day in Jacksonville for the month, breaking a May monthly record for number of 90 degree days. The weekend is looking mainly dry with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Hurricane season starts Sunday, June 1. Jacksonville police are looking for a man who they say stole a ferret from a pet store by putting it down his shorts. It happened on Tuesday night at Petland on Beach Boulevard near Hodges. An incident report describes the man as having 'a unique long mustache' and that he was 'wearing a blue Under Armour cutoff shirt and 'Navy' logo shorts.' The report notes the man 'fondles the ferret for quite some time.' Three Big Things to Know: Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters defends the way his officers handled the arrest of three people at a city council meeting. And a 'credit card' sized knife that made its way past security and into Jacksonville City Council Chambers is putting pressure on the private company paid millions to protect City Hall and other Jacksonville buildings. The U.S. will soon revoke the visas of Chinese students. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. will begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students, 'including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.' Florida stands by man's best friend. That's what Governor Ron DeSantis said yesterday as he signed two animal cruelty bills into law. Trooper's Law makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or evacuation order. Trooper's Law is named after a dog named Trooper that was tied up by the side of the road during Hurricane Milton.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather: Tropical Depression 1-E expected to become Alvin off Mexico's coast
Welcome to the Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather. It's Thursday, May 29, 2025. Start your day with everything you need to know about today's weather. You can also get a quick briefing of national, regional and local weather whenever you like with the FOX Weather Update podcast. The first tropical depression of the season, which formed in the Eastern Pacific, is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Alvin on Thursday during what could be a complex year for forecasters around the basin. Tropical Depression One-E is expected to remain far enough offshore that impacts along Mexico's coast will be limited to heightened swells and increased rip currents along beaches. Powerful thunderstorms swept across a large swath of Texas on Wednesday, producing damaging winds, hail and flash flooding that triggered water rescues and left thousands without power. The Austin Fire Department reported responding to around a dozen water rescues, with most incidents involving people stranded in vehicles or trapped in areas where floodwaters rose rapidly. Earlier Wednesday, fire officials in San Antonio responded to at least eight water rescue calls as flash flooding swamped the morning commute. An early-season stretch of heat is forecast to evolve Friday, peaking over the weekend across portions of the West. The FOX Forecast Center said Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories have already been issued for parts of California, Nevada and Arizona, where temperatures will likely soar into the triple-digits. This includes more than 14 million Americans through Saturday. If Redding, California, hits above 105 degrees on Friday, it will be the earliest the city has reached that temperature in 17 years (since May 17, 2008, when it hit 106 degrees). This would also be Redding's first 100-degree day of 2025. 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. Talk about a wedding with a twist. These two New Mexico newlyweds kicked off their married life in an unforgettable way. For Daynnely and William Carrillo, their picture-perfect wedding day in Portales was punctuated by an extraordinary backdrop: a massive, developing tornado. As severe weather warnings began to ripple through Roosevelt County on Sunday, wedding photographer Chesnea Clemmons found herself in a unique position. "No clue this was even on the radar until my phone went off telling me there was a tornado in the area," she told FOX Weather. Here are a few more stories you might find interesting. Rare giant crab not seen on tsunami-ravaged island in over 150 years found in remote cave Record-high global temperatures likely to continue for next 5 years, scientists say Alaska slammed by atmospheric river as summer cruise season revs up Need more weather? Check your local forecast plus 3D radar in the FOX Weather app. You can also watch FOX Weather wherever you go using the FOX Weather app, at or on your favorite streaming service. It's easy to share your weather photos and videos with us. Email them to weather@ or add the hashtag #FOXWeather to your post on your favorite social media article source: Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather: Tropical Depression 1-E expected to become Alvin off Mexico's coast
