Dexter’s Law and Trooper’s law have been enacted in Florida, strengthening animal protections across the state.
Dexter’s Law increases penalties for severe animal cruelty and creates a public registry of convicted animal abusers, and Trooper’s Law makes abandoning and restraining animals during natural disasters a third-degree felony with penalties up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“My heart is in this bill to protect innocent animals from abuse,” stated Representative Linda Chaney. “It also protects the vulnerable in our communities as animal abusers are 5x more likely to also harm humans.”
“Dexter’s Law and Trooper’s Law build on existing protections, giving Florida stronger tools to fight animal cruelty and protect our beloved furry friends,” stated Rep. Meg Weinberger.
The legislation earned overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the Florida legislature, championed by Representatives Chaney, Weinberger, Basabe, Benarroch, Gossett-Seidman, Gottlieb, V. Lopez, Overdorf, Plasencia, Porras, Redondo, and Salzman, along with Senators Gaetz, Arrington, Avila, Garcia, and Ingoglia.
Florida loves dogs, and when Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed the animal protections into law he said that Florida stands by man’s best friend.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
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