DD Animal News: May 28, 2025 Two Florida dogs—one left to drown, another violently killed—have inspired new legislation aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty in the state. Governor Ron DeSantis signed Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law on Wednesday, sending a strong message: Florida will no longer tolerate abuse, neglect, or abandonment of animals.
Trooper’s Law: Justice for a Dog Abandoned in a Hurricane
Trooper’s Law is named after a bull terrier discovered tied to a fence off Interstate 75 in Tampa as Category 5 Hurricane Milton approached. The dog stood belly-deep in rising floodwaters when a Florida Highway Patrol officer spotted and rescued him, posting a now-viral video that has been viewed more than 12 million times.
The owner of that dog was charged with animal cruelty. Under the new law taking effect Oct. 1, violations taking place during hurricanes or other disasters will be punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Trooper’s Law makes it a third-degree felony to restrain or abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster. It also imposes fines for people who abandon pets or fail to provide confined animals with proper food, water, or exercise.
“Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis,” said Governor DeSantis during the bill signing ceremony at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in South Florida.
Dexter’s Law: Holding Abusers Accountable
The second bill, Dexter’s Law, is named after a dog who was found decapitated at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County just days after being adopted. The man responsible, Domingo Rodriguez, was convicted of aggravated animal cruelty and unlawful disposal of an animal’s body.
Dexter’s Law introduces a sentencing multiplier for animal abuse crimes, allowing judges to impose harsher penalties in especially egregious cases. It also directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create and maintain a public registry of convicted animal abusers.
“It also creates Florida’s first-ever animal abuse database, making sure that shelters and the public have a right to be made reasonably aware of individuals convicted of animal cruelty in their community,” said Governor DeSantis.
This measure aims to increase transparency and protect future pets from being placed in harm’s way.
A Dog Returned to the Shelter: A Reminder From Last Year
In 2024, another heartbreaking case showed how loss—not abuse—can still deeply wound a pet. Cake Batter, a gentle pit bull once rescued from the horrors of dogfighting, found his happy ending after spending eight long months at the Pennsylvania SPCA. Adopted into a loving home, he finally had the life every shelter dog dreams of.
But the fairy tale was short-lived. When his beloved owner passed away, Cake Batter was returned to the shelter—confused, grieving, and once again without a family. Shelter staff shared his story and a heartbreaking photo of him online, writing:
“For over a year he lived the best life. And then things changed again. His loving owner passed away, and Cake Batter ended up back at the shelter.”
Though his return wasn’t caused by cruelty, the emotional toll was undeniable. His story highlights another kind of suffering—when dogs are treated as temporary, or left behind after tragedy strikes. The SPCA believes he still deserves a second chance and continues to advocate for a new home where he’ll be the center of someone’s world again.
A Step Forward for Animal Protection
Trooper’s Law will go into effect on October 1, while Dexter’s Law takes effect July 1.
Animal welfare advocates have praised the legislation as a major step forward for Florida. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters in 2024 alone—many due to neglect, abandonment, or abuse.
Now, Trooper and Dexter represent more than just heartbreak. Their stories sparked real change—and through these new laws, they may help protect countless animals from suffering the same fate.
