Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Laws Increasing Penalties, Creating Database for Animal Abusers

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws aimed at increasing penalties for animal cruelty, specifically targeting those who abuse pets or abandon them during natural disasters. Inspired by the cases of Dexter, a bulldog found decapitated, and Trooper, a bull terrier abandoned during Hurricane Milton, these laws introduce harsher sentencing, including a sentencing multiplier for severe abuse and a third-degree felony charge for abandoning pets in disasters, punishable by up to five years in prison and $10,000 fines. The laws also mandate the creation of a public online database by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, set to launch by early 2026, which will track individuals convicted of animal cruelty to deter future offenses. The bipartisan legislation reflects a broader state effort to protect animals, with unopposed passage in the legislature emphasizing its urgency and support. Advocates from rescue organizations highlighted the frequent and brutal nature of animal abuse cases that motivated these reforms. Trooper's rescue by a Florida Highway Patrol officer and the brutal death of Dexter underscore the real-life impact and necessity of these enhanced protections.