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. pic.twitter.com/cLo5WdTK3a

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