Trooper is a Bull Terrier that was found on the side of Interstate 75 restrained to a fence before Hurricane Milton impacted Florida.[5] Giovanni Aldama Garicia, Trooper's owner, was arrested in October 2024, accused of animal cruelty.[6] Trooper was found by a member of the Florida Highway Patrol, from which he derived his name.[7] Trooper was adopted in December 2024.[8]
Legislative history
In the Florida Senate, Trooper's Law was sponsored by Don Gaetz and filed January 7.[8][9] It was unanimously passed by the Senate in March 2024.[10]
Dexter's Law will take effect July 1, 2025.[12] Trooper's Law will take effect October 1, 2025.[8]
Provisions
Trooper's Law makes restraining pets prior to natural disasters a third-degree felony.[7]
Dexter's Law creates a registry of animal abusers[12] and requires law enforcement to post online the names of those who have offended animal cruelty laws.[3] It also increases the punishment for severe cruelty to animals.[3] A 1.25 multiplier is to be added to the punishment of those charged with aggravated animal cruelty.[12]
