PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills on Wednesday that aim to protect animals from abuse and hold abusers accountable.
During a news conference in South Florida, DeSantis signed bill SB 150, also known as Trooper’s Law, and HB 255, dubbed Dexter’s Law.
“We’re a law and order state, and that includes the need to prosecute those who are derelict in their duty to take care of their own pets,” DeSantis said.
Press play above to watch DeSantis’ remarks on the new legislation
SB 150 - Trooper’s Law
Those who leave their pets behind during natural disasters will now face the consequences of those actions.
Trooper’s Law prohibits pet owners from abandoning, confining or impounding any animals during a hurricane, tropical storm or tornado warning.
Trooper’s Law was enacted following the discovery of a dog tethered to a fence in chest-deep water as Hurricane Milton moved closer to slamming into the Tampa area in October.
The Florida Highway Patrol rescued the dog, given the name “Trooper.”
“Leaving a dog chained up in the path of an ongoing storm is inhumane, and under this law, it will be a crime that carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine,” DeSantis said.
HB 255 - Dexter’s Law
Dexter’s Law strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and ensures offenders are tracked and held accountable.
This bill is narrowly tailored to apply only to acts of cruelty against domestic animals.
Dexter’s Law also requires the Department of Law Enforcement to post on its website the names of people who have violated specified animal cruelty provisions.
“It creates Florida’s first-ever animal abuse database, making sure that shelters and the public have a right to be made reasonably aware of individuals convicted of animal cruelty in their community,” DeSantis said.