In a powerful step toward protecting animals, especially fur babies, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed "Trooper’s Law" on May 27, 2025, making it a felony to abandon a restrained dog during a declared natural disaster or evacuation order. The law’s namesake, a resilient bull terrier named Trooper, captured national attention after being found tied to a fence in floodwaters as Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast in October 2024.

I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend. pic.twitter.com/lxHTXQ6Y0P

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 28, 2025

Trooper’s harrowing, then thankfully happy, story began on October 9, 2024, when Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales braved a flooded field near Interstate 75 in Tampa to rescue the frightened dog. Body camera footage showed the bull terrier, then named Jumbo, standing chest-deep in water, barking in distress as the Category 4 hurricane approached. Morales’ gentle words, “It’s OK, I don’t blame you,” calmed the animal as he freed it from the fence. The video went viral, sparking outrage and highlighting the need for stronger animal protection laws.

🐶 Trooper’s Law bans leaving dogs tied up during hurricanes or emergencies, ensuring they aren’t left behind in dangerous conditions.

🛑 Dexter’s Law increases penalties for animal cruelty and requires the public posting of convicted abusers’ names to help prevent future harm. pic.twitter.com/9hWvvEKPhr

— Big Dog Ranch Rescue (@BDRRescue) May 28, 2025

The dog’s former owner, 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin, Florida, admitted to leaving Jumbo behind while evacuating to Georgia, telling a likely fake story claiming he couldn’t find anyone to care for the dog. Garcia now faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony. Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez condemned the act, stating: 

“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously. This defendant is charged with a felony and could face up to five years in prison for his actions. Quite frankly, I don’t think that is enough. Hopefully, lawmakers take a look at this case and discuss changing the law to allow for harsher penalties for people who abandon their animals during a state of emergency.”

In Defense of Animals applauds the enactment of #DextersLaw and #TroopersLaw in Florida, which will crack down on animal cruelty and abandonment.https://t.co/vAiBsq8rVx pic.twitter.com/cLo5WdTK3a

— In Defense Of Animals (@IDAUSA) May 29, 2025

READ MORE: DeSantis Announces Consequences for Creep Who Tied Dog to Fence As Hurricane Milton Bore Down

Trooper’s Law, formally Senate Bill 150, takes effect October 1, 2025, and classifies abandoning a restrained dog during a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The law also reinforces misdemeanor penalties for neglecting confined animals’ basic needs, such as food, water, shelter, and exercise. Additionally, Governor DeSantis signed Dexter’s Law, named after a shelter dog killed shortly after adoption, which increases penalties for severe animal cruelty cases and supports the creation of a statewide database for animal abuse offenders.

Trooper, such a good boy, is now thriving with his adoptive family in Parkland, Florida, and has overcome significant health challenges, including cancer and stomach surgery after ingesting over 100 pieces of garbage under his previous owner’s care. Recently honored as Parkland’s “Favorite Dog,” Trooper’s story has become a symbol of resilience and a catalyst for change in Florida’s fight against animal cruelty.

Trooper’s case sadly sheds light on a broader issue of animal abuse across the United States. According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 10,000 dogs die each year due to abuse or neglect, with countless others suffering from mistreatment. The ASPCA estimates that nearly one million animals, including dogs, are abused annually, though the true number is likely higher due to underreporting. These statistics underscore the importance of laws like Trooper’s Law to hold perpetrators accountable and protect vulnerable animals, especially during crises like natural disasters.

For pet owners facing challenges or needing to rehome their fur babies, help is available. Go to your local pet rescue shelter or pet store for more information on pet care and adoption services.

Trooper’s journey from abandonment to advocacy has inspired a new era of animal welfare in Florida. As Governor DeSantis emphasized, “Florida stands by man’s best friend.” With Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, the state is taking a firm stand against animal cruelty, ensuring that no pet is left behind in times of crisis.

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