We applaud the enactment of Dexter’s Law in Florida, a major legislative milestone that strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and establishes the state’s first public registry of convicted animal abusers. The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 28, is named in honor of Dexter, a dog who was found decapitated and stuffed into a plastic bag just days after being adopted in 2023. Gov. DeSantis also signed Trooper’s Law, which makes it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a natural disaster.

Dexter’s Law enhances sentencing guidelines by applying a 1.25 multiplier in cases of aggravated animal cruelty. It also mandates the creation of a searchable database, maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, listing individuals convicted of animal abuse. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

In Defense of Animals led a public outcry demanding justice for Dexter, gathering more than 14,000 signatures from concerned citizens nationwide who successfully urged prosecutors to seek the maximum sentence for the perpetrator. Over 500 In Defense of Animals supporters in Florida urged state lawmakers to pass Dexter’s Law. 

Dexter’s gruesome death shocked and outraged the nation. This law delivers a measure of justice while helping to prevent future acts of cruelty by holding abusers accountable and making their offenses public. We thank every advocate who stood with us and pushed for this much-needed reform.

Dexter’s Law was championed by Port Orange resident Debbie Darino, who also played a key role in the passage of Ponce’s Law in 2018. The new legislation was sponsored by Rep. Linda Chaney, Sen. Tom Leek, and Rep. Meg Weinberger.

Gov. DeSantis signed Dexter’s Law alongside another bill known as Trooper’s Law. That law, which takes effect Oct. 1, 2025, makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or evacuation. It is named after a bull terrier who was rescued from rising floodwaters during Hurricane Milton by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Acts of cruelty against animals are a red flag for deeper psychological disturbances and often correlate with violence against humans. Dexter’s Law is not just about protecting dogs — it’s a public safety measure. Identifying abusers and intervening early can help prevent escalating cycles of violence and trauma.

In Defense of Animals urges other states to adopt similar laws that recognize the seriousness of animal cruelty and hold perpetrators fully accountable.

Find out how we help the victims of animal cruelty, and please consider donating to support our lifesaving work.