By Mary Kate Krueger
TAMPA, Fla. — On Oct. 9, 2024, amidst one of the most devastating hurricanes in the Bay area, a bull terrier was left tied alongside the highway as flood waters rose to his belly. Scared and helpless, the poor dog was eventually found by police officers and brought to safety.
There are countless laws and bills enacted to protect children from abuse and neglect. But what laws are being put in place to protect our pets and beloved animals?
While the government has made tremendous efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society, our furry friends have been overlooked. However, following a blood-boiling incident in Florida, a new law is being put in place to stop cases of neglect.
During Hurricane Milton, a dog named “Trooper” was abandoned and tied to a fence near Interstate 75 as flood waters ran high — sparking controversy and public anger as a video went viral on social media. The public outrage drew Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attention, where he called for action against animal cruelty.
Trooper’s owner, 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia, is facing a felony aggravated animal cruelty charge, and he faces up to five years in prison.
After this devastating and enraging incident, Florida lawmakers have worked to strengthen penalties against animal abusers during hurricanes or other emergencies.
Lawmakers in Tallahassee are considering legislation that, if passed, will make it illegal to abandon a dog during a natural disaster. If taken effect, the bill would impose a fine of $10,000 and a prison term for up to five years.
Section 828.13 reads that the “confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise; [and] abandonment of animals” would be illegal. This would provide criminal penalties to those restraining animals during a natural disaster.
This bill has gathered support from the Humane Society of the United States and the Florida Animal Control Association. These groups, along with lawmakers, are finally turning their heads to help combat cases of severe animal abuse and neglect.
While Trooper’s Law could help animals endangered by natural disasters, more protections should be put in place to stop animal abuse and neglect, with or without natural disasters involved.
While Troopers Law promises compassion to animals, the state should have more responsibilities to ensure that no such incidents ever occur again. Many laws are put in place to prevent child abuse, and animals — particularly pets — should be held to similar standards.
While there is more work to come, Troopers Law could serve as a milestone in the legal protection of animals during natural disasters. However, if achieved, it should be a milestone, not a conclusion. Beyond punishment for animal neglect, the state of Florida must focus on building a solid framework for animal safety.
Pets cannot help themselves, especially in times of crisis such as Hurricane Milton. It is our responsibility as pet owners to protect our animals from horrific crimes.
Trooper, the bull terrier who is lucky to still be alive today, should serve as a reminder for us to protect our furry friends who cannot protect themselves.
–
Photo courtesy of Blogtrepreneur, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
.jpg){kind=link}