'We can do better': Why Florida families are pushing for more stronger animal cruelty laws скачать в хорошем качестве

'We can do better': Why Florida families are pushing for more stronger animal cruelty laws

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed two new animal cruelty laws — Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law — strengthening penalties for animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment across Florida. Trooper’s Law makes it a felony to leave a dog chained outside during a natural disaster, inspired by a bull terrier found tied up and abandoned during Hurricane Milton. Dexter’s Law increases penalties for convicted animal abusers and creates a statewide FDLE database aimed at preventing repeat offenses. Animal welfare advocates say the laws are a major step forward. But families who lost pets tell WPTV Investigates Florida still lacks regulation of dog trainers, groomers, and boarding facilities — an industry with no required licensing or certification. This investigation examines how years of warnings were missed, what these new Florida animal cruelty laws change, and why families say the fight for stronger protections isn’t over.