May 28, 2025 – Cheered on by animal advocates from across Florida, including members of FAAWO’s Board of Directors, this week, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law two groundbreaking pieces of legislation that will forever protect animals from cruelty and hold abusers accountable.
Florida Senate Bill 150, Trooper’s Law, makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared disaster or any mandatory/voluntary evacuation. Inspired by Trooper—a dog chained and left in the path of Hurricane Milton—this law also reinforces penalties for neglect and abandonment. Offenders now face up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Governor DeSantis also signed into law House Bill 255, Dexter’s Law, named after a shelter dog tragically killed days after adoption. This critical piece of legislation strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates Florida’s first animal abuser database to help prevent repeat offenses.
Also signed last week: The Pam Rock Act—honoring the mail carrier killed by five dogs in Putnam County—requires owners of dangerous dogs to carry $100,000 in liability insurance and imposes harsher penalties for attacks.
Liz McCauley, Executive Director of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and a member of the FAAWO Board of Directors, received a special invitation to join Governor Ron DeSantis at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, where he signed these historic bills into law
“We are so proud to have supported these bills, even attending Senate hearings to advocate for their passage. These new laws are a monumental step forward in giving a voice to the voiceless and protecting the innocent,” says McCauley. “A heartfelt thank you to Governor DeSantis for this special invitation and our Florida legislators for standing up for our animals.”