Florida has taken a significant step to combat animal cruelty with the enactment of “Dexter’s Law,” a new piece of legislation that stiffens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and creates the state’s first public registry of convicted animal abusers. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the landmark bill into law on May 28, a move lauded by animal welfare advocates.
The law is named in memory of Dexter, a dog tragically found decapitated and discarded in a plastic bag in 2023, mere days after his adoption. His case sparked widespread outrage and calls for stronger legal protections for animals.
READ: Florida Toughens Stance On Animal Cruelty With New Laws Signed By Governor DeSantis
Effective July 1, 2025, Dexter’s Law will implement a 1.25 sentencing multiplier in cases of aggravated animal cruelty, ensuring tougher consequences for offenders. Furthermore, it mandates the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to create and maintain a publicly accessible, searchable database listing individuals convicted of animal abuse.
In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal protection organization, was at the forefront of the public campaign demanding justice for Dexter. The group gathered over 14,000 signatures nationwide urging prosecutors to seek the maximum sentence for Dexter’s abuser and mobilized more than 1,000 Florida supporters to advocate for the passage of Dexter’s Law.
“Dexter’s gruesome death shocked and outraged the nation. This law delivers a measure of justice, while helping to prevent future acts of cruelty by holding abusers accountable and making their offenses public,” said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Campaign Director at In Defense of Animals. “We thank every advocate who stood with us and pushed for this much-needed reform.”
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The legislative effort for Dexter’s Law was championed by Port Orange resident Debbie Darino, who was also instrumental in the passage of Ponce’s Law in 2018, another key animal welfare bill. The bill was sponsored by Representatives Linda Chaney and Meg Weinberger, and Senator Tom Leek.
Alongside Dexter’s Law, Governor DeSantis also signed “Trooper’s Law,” which is set to take effect on October 1, 2025. This law designates it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or evacuation.
It is named after Trooper, a bull terrier rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol from rising floodwaters during Hurricane Milton.
Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, a psychiatrist and president of In Defense of Animals, highlighted the broader societal implications of these new laws.
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“Acts of cruelty against animals are a red flag for deeper psychological disturbances and often correlate with violence against humans,” stated Dr. Kroplick. “Dexter’s Law is not just about protecting dogs — it’s a public safety measure. Identifying abusers and intervening early can help prevent escalating cycles of violence and trauma.”
In Defense of Animals is encouraging other states to consider similar legislation that underscores the severity of animal cruelty and ensures full accountability for perpetrators.
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