TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – As Hurricane Milton was inching closer to Tampa Bay, many evacuated along with their pets. However, one bull terrier was found tied to a fence along Interstate 75 in Tampa. That dog, named Trooper, was rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol. Now, there’s a new law named in his honor that was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.

“This story is exactly the type of cruelty that we cannot tolerate in the free state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

Trooper’s previous owner, who has since been charged with aggravated animal cruelty told authorities that he was evacuating to Georgia, and nobody would pick up the dog.  

“That’s bad enough, but the water was rising very quickly,” DeSantis said.

What’s known as “Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for abandoning or neglecting an animal during an emergency or natural disaster. If convicted, that’s up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Trooper Orlando Morales rescued the dog and still keeps in touch with his new owners.

“He is doing absolutely amazing. I get pictures and videos,” Morales said.

DeSantis also signed a bill dubbed “Dexter’s Law” after a bull terrier was found decapitated last year in Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County just days after being adopted.

Domingo Rodriguez was convicted earlier this year and sentenced to a year and 60 days in jail.

“Current sentencing guidelines don’t match the gravity of these crimes and it was evident that Florida law needed to do more to protect dogs from senseless violence,” DeSantis said.

The new law offers tougher sentencing multipliers. That will give judges the ability to force someone to stay behind bars longer.

Animal Advocate Debbie Darino fought for the bill that will include a public database of those convicted or guilty of animal abuse.

“Dexter’s Law seeks to deter animal cruelty and holds offenders more accountable for their actions,” Darino said.

On its website, the American Kennel Club has these two bills listed under “monitor” meaning it does not support or oppose the measures.

Dexter’s Law will go into effect on July 1st. Trooper’s law will go into effect on October 1st.