The Florida legislature passed landmark bipartisan animal welfare legislation, and is now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis.
The Florida Senate gave final approval to CS/HB 559, Animal Welfare, landmark legislation by Democratic State Senator Kristen Arrington, who represents Osceola County and Orange County, and Republican State Representative Linda Chaney, who represents the St. Pete Beach area in Pinellas County and parts of Hillsborough County.
The Animal Welfare legislation strengthens Florida’s commitment to protecting children and safeguarding animals from abuse. The bill closes a critical gap in statute by ensuring that when an abuser commits an act of animal cruelty in the presence of a minor or forces a child to participate, they face increased penalties.
The measure is part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Protecting Puppies” legislative initiative, a package of proposals aimed at strengthening animal welfare protections statewide.
Research has consistently shown that children who witness acts of animal cruelty are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing long term mental health challenges and are more likely to engage in violent behavior later in life. By addressing this intersection of violence early, CS/HB 559 works to interrupt the long-term impact of abuse, hold perpetrators accountable, and shield children from further trauma.
“Protecting children means protecting them from every form of violence, including the trauma of witnessing animal cruelty,” said Senator Kristen Arrington, a Central Florida Democrat. “For too long, there has been a gap in our statutes when abusers weaponize cruelty in front of a child or force them to participate. CS/HB 559 ensures the proper tools are in place to hold offenders fully accountable. By addressing this intersection of violence, we are taking meaningful action to break the cycle of abuse and safeguard both our youth and our animals.”
“CS/HB 559 Animal Welfare builds on Dexter’s Law that I passed last year to further protect animals and our communities,” Republican St. Pete Beach Rep. Linda Chaney added. “The bill redirects juveniles onto a path of improved mental health and breaks the cycle of animal abuse, strengthens tools for shelters and rescues to keep animals out of the hands of known abusers, and empowers local governments to stop animal cruelty in their communities. People who abuse animals are 5x more likely to harm people.”
With overwhelming bipartisan support in both Florida chambers, CS/HB 559 Animal Welfare now advances to the Governor’s desk for signature.
If enacted into law, this legislation will take effect on October 1st, 2026.
View the legislation online: CS/HB 559 Animal Welfare
