In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, a heart-wrenching incident involving a dog named Trooper has spurred legislative action in Florida to strengthen animal cruelty laws during natural disasters.
The Incident:
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida in October 2024, a bull terrier was found abandoned, tied to a pole along Interstate 75 near Tampa, standing in rising floodwaters. The Florida Highway Patrol rescued the distressed animal, and the incident drew widespread attention after a video of the rescue went viral. The dog, later named Trooper, was adopted by a family in South Florida but faced subsequent health challenges, including surgeries to remove ingested foreign materials and cancerous tumors.
Legislative Response:
In response to this incident, Florida lawmakers introduced “Trooper’s Law” (Senate Bill 150), aiming to impose stricter penalties on individuals who abandon their pets during natural disasters. Sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz, the bill proposes making it a third-degree felony to restrain and leave an animal outside during such emergencies, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The bill has received bipartisan support, with the Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously approving it during its initial hearing.
Support and Outlook:
The proposed legislation has garnered backing from organizations such as the Animal Control Association, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Senator Gaetz emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, “Sometimes we get to do a good thing about a bad thing, and that’s this bill.” The bill is set to proceed to the Senate Agriculture Committee for further consideration.
If enacted, “Trooper’s Law” would take effect on July 1, reinforcing Florida’s commitment to safeguarding animal welfare during emergencies and ensuring that incidents like Trooper’s abandonment are met with appropriate legal consequences.
FAQs
What is “Trooper’s Law”?
“Trooper’s Law” is a proposed bill in Florida that seeks to make it a third-degree felony to abandon or restrain a pet outdoors during a natural disaster. The law was inspired by the case of a dog named Trooper, who was left tied to a pole during Hurricane Milton.
Why was the bill proposed?
The bill was introduced after Trooper’s abandonment gained national attention. Lawmakers saw the need to strengthen protections for animals during emergencies to prevent similar cases in the future.
Who is sponsoring the bill?
Florida State Senator Don Gaetz is the primary sponsor of “Trooper’s Law,” with bipartisan support from other lawmakers.
What are the penalties under “Trooper’s Law”?
If passed, the law would make abandoning a restrained pet during a natural disaster a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Has the bill received any opposition?
So far, the bill has received widespread support from lawmakers and animal welfare organizations. However, some individuals worry about enforcement challenges and potential legal ambiguities.
