The proposed bill aims to strengthen laws against animal cruelty, particularly in situations involving children. It introduces a new section, 827.12, which makes it a third-degree felony for any adult to commit acts of animal cruelty in the presence of a child or to encourage a child to engage in such acts. The bill also establishes specific criminal penalties for these offenses, emphasizing the seriousness of exposing children to animal cruelty.

Additionally, the bill amends the offense severity ranking chart in section 921.0022 of the Florida Statutes. It increases the severity ranking for the offense of fighting or baiting animals and includes the new offense of subjecting a child to animal cruelty in the ranking chart. The changes reflect a commitment to protecting both animals and children from abusive behaviors, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 2025.