POV: Here in Palm Coast and throughout Florida, we are a state of animal lovers. From playful puppies to cozy kittens, chirping birds to even our unique amphibian friends, Floridians have shown time and again that we treasure our beloved fur-babies and feathered companions. We would go to the ends of the earth to protect them, treating them as cherished members of our families.
But sadly, not everyone shares this same devotion. In times of crisis, when animals are most vulnerable and entirely dependent on us for their safety, some are left behind—abandoned, tied up, or forgotten in the chaos of emergency evacuations. For them, the very people they trust the most make a devastating choice.
One proposed bill could change that. It’s a bill that speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves—a bill that seeks to ensure no animal is ever left to face disaster alone. By increasing penalties for animal cruelty during declared states of emergency, this legislation would send a clear message: abandoning or mistreating animals during crises is not only heartless but will carry serious consequences.