LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. – Two animal cruelty bills, meant to protect animals across the state of Florida, were signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.
Trooper’s Law SB 150, inspired by the Florida dog abandoned during Hurricane Milton evacuations and rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper.
FHP troopers found Trooper, a Bull Terrier, in belly-high water, abandoned along Interstate 75, near Pebble Creek, north of Tampa during evacuations for Hurricane Milton last year.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz, would make abandoning a restrained animal during a natural disaster a third-degree felony. If convicted, the penalty would be up to five years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Dexter’s Law, CS/SB 494, was also signed at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee on Wednesday.
The law is in honor of a dog found decapitated days after it was adopted in Pinellas County. It would require law enforcement to post the name of animal abusers on their website.
According to reports, the dog was found dead at Fort DeSoto Park. Its owner was convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals and unlawful disposal of bodies of dead animals, earlier this year.
Lauree Simmons founded the Big Dog Ranch Rescue 17 years ago. It cares for more than 700 dogs on 33 acres and is a huge proponent of safeguarding those without a voice.
“It’s about time that people start recognizing animals not as just property, but as pets and part of the family, they deserve the protection from these bills and we have many more to come,” said Simmons.
The two bills being signed into law demonstrate the serious steps being taken by the state when it comes to shielding innocent animals from criminals.
“It also 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,” said DeSantis.
“Trooper’s Law” will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2025. “Dexter’s Law” will go into effect on July 1.
