A.G. Gancarski
Legislation that provides accountability to those convicted of animal abuse has passed the House.
The chamber accepted Senate changes to HB 255. That language that toughened up the original House product.
Republican Rep. Linda Chaney, the House sponsor, lauded the Senate language that adds a “searchable database listing those convicted of animal abuse,” saying it was “exactly what (she) wanted.”
The language allows for statewide accountability, which isn’t the case currently.
The bill also would enhance penalties for animal cruelty. Under current law, aggravated animal cruelty is a third-degree felony and scores 28 points on the criminal punishment code scoresheet.
The new language creates a 1.25 sentence multiplier, which must be applied to a defendant’s total sentencing points to determine total sentencing and make it more likely that someone who abuses animals will go to prison.
“This bill with these two components sends a very strong message that Florida is not going to stand for animal abusers to harm our pets,” Chaney said. “But even more than that, 70% of prisoners have abused an animal. These people are dangerous. They need to be in jail. We need to know who they are. We need to keep track of them. We need to keep them away from animals, and our community needs to know who they are.”
If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the measure would be effective July 1, with implementation required by Jan. 1, 2026.
One comment
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