TAMPA, Fla., (WFLA) – State lawmakers are one step closer to making it a felony to abandon a dog during a natural disaster.

Trooper’s Law was inspired by a Bull Terrier, Trooper, who was found abandoned and chained to the side of the I-75 near Tampa during Hurricane Milton.

This bill includes some severe penalties for anyone who abandons a dog during a natural disaster, including up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Florida lawmakers are doing what they can to help protect our four-legged friends, especially dogs.  

“We even had some jack*** chain a dog to a pole as the storm was coming,” said Governor DeSantis in October of 2024.

The dog was caught in the rising flood waters off of I-75 near Tampa by the Florida Highway Patrol after a trooper spotted him.

“Florida Highway Patrol rescued the dog, it’s now in Tallahassee, honestly, it’s a good dog, but I mean, it’s traumatized from that,” DeSantis said.

This bill, Trooper’s Law, passed the Senate unanimously. It would make a third-degree felony to abandon a dog outside during natural disasters.

Supports of this bill said a law to protect dogs in situations like this is overdue.

“If you’re a pet owner, like me, you know you will do anything to protect your pet. We should be protecting our pets during a storm, not leaving them for dead,” said Suzy Lopez, during the fall of 2024.

Trooper is now in a loving home, something lawmakers are hoping happens for each dog.

Trooper’s former owner, Giovanny Garcia, was charged with animal cruelty.

If Trooper’s Law passes the House and is signed into law, it would take effect on October 1, 2025.