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Florida Elevates Pet Abandonment During Disasters to Felony Status with “Trooper’s Law”
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida has enacted a new law making the abandonment of pets during a natural disaster a felony offense, a significant step in the state’s efforts to address animal welfare during extreme weather conditions. Known as “Trooper’s Law,” the legislation is part of a series of measures designed to enhance protections for animals and address other critical issues.
The new law, formally identified as Senate Bill 150 (SB 150), was prompted by a disturbing trend of animals being left behind as storms approached. Its namesake, a dog named Trooper, was found abandoned and tied to a fence along I-75 last year, with floodwaters rising to his chest ahead of Hurricane Milton. Trooper’s plight galvanized support for stronger legal protections.
Under “Trooper’s Law,” abandoning an animal during a natural disaster now constitutes an enhanced animal cruelty offense. Convicted individuals could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The legislation also codifies existing animal cruelty offenses, classifying the failure to provide confined animals with sufficient water, food, and exercise, and general animal abandonment, as first-degree misdemeanors.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law, emphasizing the state’s commitment to preventing animal cruelty. “Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” Governor DeSantis stated.
“I was proud to sign Trooper’s and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
“Dexter’s Law,” passed concurrently, strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and establishes the state’s first animal abuser database. This database aims to prevent future abuse by tracking individuals with a history of such offenses.
The necessity of such a law in Florida, a state frequently impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, was highlighted by experts. Adam Stern, a professor of forensic pathology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, noted, “It was a really needed law because it elevates the penalties for doing this.” Stern explained that pets left vulnerable during storms face dangers not only from rising waters but also from flying debris and other hazards.
These animal protection measures are among several new laws enacted by the DeSantis administration in October. Other legislative changes include new provisions for prosecuting defendants with mental illnesses, requirements for landlords and mobile home park owners to disclose flood risks, and revisions to sexual predator and offender reporting guidelines.