A puppy abandoned during Hurricane Milton in 2024 served as the inspiration for one of the measures that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis passed into law to combat animal abuse.
“Trooper’s Law” and “Dexter’s Law,” the legislation, were signed in a ceremony held at a South Florida dog rescue center on Wednesday.
Retaining and leaving a dog outside during a natural disaster or emergency preparedness phase is a third-degree felony under Trooper’s Law.
The dog that was discovered chained to a fence west of Tampa along Interstate 75 during the evacuations prior to Hurricane Milton is the inspiration behind the law’s name.
After being saved by a member of the Florida Highway Patrol, the bull terrier was subsequently given the fitting moniker, “Trooper.”
Similar offenses are now punished by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine under the new law.
“Dexter’s Law,” the other significant bill, toughens the criminal penalties for aggravated animal cruelty.
The St. Petersburg dog who inspired Dexter’s Law was killed a few days after being adopted.
Additionally, the bill allows the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create a database of those convicted of crimes involving animal cruelty.
Users will be able to search for convicted animal cruelty violators once the database is open to the public.
Trooper’s Law is anticipated to take effect in October of this year, while Dexter’s Law will take effect on July 1.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” DeSantis stated. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
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“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” DeSantis stated. “Today, I was honored to sign Dexter’s Law and Trooper’s Law. Florida supports the closest friend of man.
Other limbo hurricane-related measures
With the tropical weather season starting in a few days, a number of hurricane-related measures are still in limbo despite the rush of signings on Wednesday.
Following the devastation caused by a collapsing crane in a downtown St. Petersburg skyscraper during the 100-mph winds of Hurricane Milton, lawmakers established a law mandating that construction sites secure cranes and other equipment prior to the advent of destructive winds.
The governor has not yet signed the law and has not indicated that he will.
Furthermore, the state’s annual budget has not yet been approved by the legislature, so the tax breaks that some consumers rely on buying hurricane supplies are on hold.
Supplies like flashlights, batteries, tarps, and other necessities can be sold tax-free for a short period of time thanks to Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
Although the Atlantic basin’s hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, Florida is most affected in September and October.
