The proposed bill, titled "Trooper's Law," aims to enhance the legal protections for dogs during natural disasters by prohibiting the abandonment of restrained dogs. It amends Section 828.13 of the Florida Statutes to include specific definitions, such as "natural disaster," which encompasses situations like hurricane or tornado warnings and mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. The bill introduces a new definition for "restraint" and establishes that abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster constitutes a felony of the third degree, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding animal abandonment and neglect, clarifying the definitions of abandonment and the responsibilities of animal owners. It maintains the misdemeanor penalties for general animal abandonment while elevating the consequences for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 205 Filed: 828.13