A new bill has been introduced in the Florida Senate to enhance penalties for animal cruelty that occurs during states of emergency. This bill aims to upgrade the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Senator Don Gaetz, a Republican from Niceville, recently presented SB 150, a bill aimed at toughening penalties for animal cruelty in the midst of a state of emergency. Under this proposed legislation, the charge for such offenses would be elevated to a third-degree felony. This crucial amendment seeks to enhance the repercussions for those who mistreat or neglect animals during crises like hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies.
Former Representative Joel Rudman (R-Navarre) had previously introduced a bill in the House, but he withdrew it after resigning to run for a congressional seat. The inspiration behind Rudman’s proposal came from the incident where a bull terrier was found abandoned and tied to a fence along Interstate 75 in Tampa during Hurricane Milton last October.
Animal cruelty is currently classified as a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, with potential penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000. However, there is a proposed legislation that aims to increase the severity of punishment for individuals convicted of animal cruelty during a state of emergency. If this legislation is passed, those found guilty could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
The legislative session for 2025 is set to commence on March 4th, with the introduction of SB 150 for consideration. If this bill is approved, the enhanced penalties outlined within it will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
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