Latest news with #Trooper'slaw
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Ban on developing in state parks among Florida bills with early momentum
Florida lawmakers pushed forward bills to rein in animal abandonment, driving under the influence, and development at state parks during the first week of this year's legislative session. Why it matters: The legislative session moves fast — lawmakers have only two months each year to better the lives of Floridians. Here are a few bills that have moved: Stiffer penalties for DUIs: Legislation that would up penalties for driving under the influence and criminalize refusal to submit to a Breathalyzer test advanced last week and has one more committee stop. State Parks Preservation: A bill that would, among other things, ban the construction of golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts in state parks drew bipartisan support in the state House and the state Senate. The House version passed its first committee stop last week. Gulf of America: The Committee on Community Affairs will discuss a bill state Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) filed to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in state statutes on Tuesday. Meanwhile, state Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) withdrew his bill to rename the Tamiami Trail to the "Gulf of America Trail" due to backlash from his constituents. On the insurance front: A bipartisan bill (HB 13) that would have required Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to make windstorm coverage available to all homeowners statewide has been withdrawn. Animal abandonment crackdown: Legislation to make it a third-degree felony to restrain an animal and leave it outside during a natural disaster advanced; the House and Senate versions of the bill each have one more stop. " Trooper's law" is named for a bull terrier found tied to a pole on the side of Interstate 75 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Tampa while Floridians evacuated ahead of Hurricane Milton last year. How to watch: Looking to keep up with the Legislature? You can watch the House, Senate and committee hearings online at the Florida Channel. Plus, you can visit to track bills and receive email alerts.
