Florida Made Abandoning Dogs a Felony in 2025

Trooper's Law increased penalties for restraining pets during disasters after a viral case in 2024.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Emergency Response

A rusted metal dog chain and collar rest on a wet wooden fence post against a dark, stormy sky. — Florida's new Trooper's Law, effective October 1, makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon pets during declared weather emergencies. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should it be a felony to leave restrained pets behind during mandatory hurricane evacuations?

Effective October 1, 2025, Florida officially classified the act of restraining and abandoning a dog during a declared disaster as a third-degree felony. The legislation serves as a direct response to animal cruelty incidents during extreme weather events.

Why it matters

The law aims to curb animal abandonment during life-threatening storms by imposing significant legal consequences for pet owners who leave restrained animals behind. It follows a national movement to strengthen animal welfare protections during emergency evacuations.

Violators face up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines under the felony classification. The statute applies specifically to dogs restrained by chains, ropes, leashes, or cables during hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warnings.

The players

Ron DeSantis

He is the Governor of Florida who signed the legislation into law on May 28, 2025.

The details

Trooper's Law mandates that pet owners must not abandon a restrained animal when a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in place. This legislation was inspired by the rescue of a bull terrier found tied to a fence along Interstate 75 during Hurricane Milton in October 2024.

October 2024: A dog was found tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton.
May 28, 2025: Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law.
October 1, 2025: Trooper's Law officially took effect in Florida.

Seasonal Patterns

Trooper's Law aligns with broader efforts like Dexter's Law to modernize animal welfare protections in Florida. By establishing a statewide animal abuse database, these measures reflect a consistent legislative trend toward stricter oversight during hurricane seasons.

Pet owners must ensure they have a safe evacuation plan for their animals that avoids restraining them during any declared disaster or evacuation order. Failure to comply can result in felony charges, significant fines, and potential prison time.

The takeaway

Responsible disaster planning requires securing pets alongside human family members during evacuations to avoid life-threatening scenarios. Owners should proactively identify pet-friendly shelters or travel destinations well before storm warnings are issued.