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DeSantis signs 2 new Florida animal protection laws: Full speech
In a move to strengthen animal welfare protections, Governor Ron DeSantis signed two major pieces of legislation – Dexter's Law and Trooper's Law – on Wednesday morning. The signing took place at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee.
LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new bills into Florida law aimed at protecting animals from abuse.
The laws are named after two dogs: Trooper, who was found abandoned along I-75 during Hurricane Milton, and Dexter, a rescue dog who was tragically decapitated by his adopter.
So, what do these new laws mean for animals in Florida? Here's a breakdown.
Dexter's Law
What we know:
HB 255, or Dexter's Law, strengthens punishments in animal cruelty cases, especially in particularly horrific instances. It expands current law by not only prohibiting offenders from owning pets but also recognizing animals as actual victims. Under this law, offenders could face significant prison time.
The backstory:
The legislation is named after Dexter, a 4-year-old bull mix rescue dog, who was adopted and later killed and decapitated by his adopter, according to authorities.
Pictured: Trooper (left) and Dexter (right)
Supporters of the bill believe public rallies and advocacy played a key role in pushing prosecutors to pursue the case seriously.
Read the legislation in its entirety below or click here.
Trooper's Law
What we know:
SB 150, or Trooper's Law, is a measure focused on animal welfare during emergencies. It makes abandoning a restrained animal during a natural disaster a third-degree felony. Offenders could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The backstory:
Trooper's Law is named after a dog discovered by Florida Highway Patrol Orlando Morales just before Hurricane Milton. The dog had been left tied to a fence along Interstate 75.
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Owner of dog tied to pole during Hurricane Milton arrested
The owner of a dog, who was found tied to a pole and standing in flooded water during Hurricane Milton, has been arrested and charged with animal abuse. FHP found the dog, now named "Trooper", on Wednesday, hours before Hurricane Milton made landfall near Tampa. The alleged suspect told authorities that he was headed to Georgia to escape the hurricane and admitted to leaving the dog behind.
Read the legislation in its entirety below or click here.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Gov. Ron DeSantis during a news conference at an animal rescue in Loxahatchee on May 28, 2025.