TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced a new proposal aimed at protecting dogs from abuse and ending unethical puppy mills across Florida. The plan, developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, would establish statewide standards for responsible dog breeding and increase accountability for violators.
Under the proposal, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation would begin licensing dog breeders to ensure humane practices and compliance with animal welfare laws. The initiative targets abusive operations that mistreat dogs through overbreeding, confinement in small cages, exposure to extreme weather, or deprivation of food and water.
“In Florida, we will always fight to protect man’s best friend,” said Governor DeSantis. “The proposal we announced today will end unethical puppy mills, hold accountable abusive breeders, and help shelter dogs find loving homes.”
Key Provisions of the Proposal
The plan includes several measures designed to improve animal welfare and strengthen enforcement:
- Abuse Reporting Hotline: Creation of a statewide hotline for residents to report abusive breeders or inhumane conditions.
- Pet Store Adoption Priority: Requirement that pet stores offer space for local animal shelters to host adoption events before selling dogs sourced from breeders.
- Enhanced Penalties for Animal Abuse: Development of new legislation to increase penalties for those who abuse or torture animals, particularly in the presence of a minor.
Building on Recent Animal Protection Laws
The initiative follows two animal protection laws signed by Governor DeSantis earlier this year—Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law.
Trooper’s Law, named after a dog rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol during Hurricane Milton, makes it a felony to abandon or restrain a dog during a declared state of emergency.
Dexter’s Law, enacted after the brutal killing of a recently adopted dog, increases sentencing penalties for individuals convicted of torturing or killing animals. It also establishes a statewide database of animal abusers to prevent them from adopting pets in the future.
Through these new measures, Florida continues to expand its commitment to animal welfare and strengthen protections for pets and shelter animals across the state.
