DeSantis Signs 2 Laws Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this week signed two pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening the penalties for certain acts of animal cruelty. The two laws were nicknamed ‘Trooper’s Law’ and ‘Dexter’s Law’ respectively, after two dogs whose stories inspired the legislation.

“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” DeSantis said. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”

Trooper’s Law: Abandoning Dogs in Natural Disasters

Trooper, the dog who inspired Trooper’s Law. ⓒ FHPTampa on X

The first bill signed by DeSantis is the Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters Act, referred to as ‘Trooper’s Law’. SB 150, as the bill was officially titled, was introduced to the Florida state legislature in January by Senator Don Gaetz (father of politician Matt Gaetz), a Republican from Pensacola.

Under the new law, it will now be a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog when a disaster is declared or an evacuation is ordered. Those convicted of violating Trooper’s Law will be subject to up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The legislation cleared each hurdle in the Florida Senate and House unanimously, with wide bipartisan support. It was signed into law by Gov. DeSantis on Wednesday.

Trooper was a dog found chained to a fence on the side of I-75 near Tampa during Hurricane Milton back in October. The water had reached up to the dog’s chest by the time Florida Highway Patrol troopers reached him. After being taken to a veterinarian, Trooper was fortunately deemed to be in good health.

Dexter’s Law: Aggravated Animal Cruelty

Gov. DeSantis strengthens animal cruelty laws at a bill signing on Wednesday. ⓒ GovRonDeSantis on X

The other bill signed by DeSantis is the Aggravated Animal Cruelty Act, which is commonly referred to as ‘Dexter’s Law’. The most sweeping effect of Dexter’s Law will be to require that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keep a database on its website of certain individuals who’ve violated animal cruelty laws. Furthermore, it increases penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, applying a 1.25 sentencing multiplier.

This legislation was introduced into the Florida House of Representatives by Rep. Linda Chaney, a St. Petersburg Republican, and Rep. Meg Weinberger, a Royal Palm Beach Republican. Like its counterpart, Dexter’s Law was approved unanimously at every venture by legislators of both parties.

Dexter, the namesake of Dexter’s Law, sadly had a much more grim tale than Trooper’s. He was found dead in Pinellas County, having been severely and gruesomely killed by owner Domingo Rodriguez. The dog was floating in a plastic bag in a mangrove waterway. It had been only a few days, if not hours, since Dexter’s adoption that he was killed. In February this year Rodriguez was convicted of aggravated animal cruelty and sentenced to 364 days in jail for a first-degree misdemeanor and 60 days for a second-degree misdemeanor.

“Dexter’s gruesome death shocked and outraged the nation. This law delivers a measure of justice, while helping to prevent future acts of cruelty by holding abusers accountable and making their offenses public,” said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Campaign Director at the nonprofit In Defense of Animals. “We thank every advocate who stood with us and pushed for this much-needed reform.”