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FLORIDA - A dog saved during the Hurricane Milton evacuations in Tampa is now the inspiration behind a new piece of legislation aimed at protecting animals during natural disasters.
Senate Bill 150, also known as "Trooper’s Law," is currently under review in the Florida Senate.
If passed, this bill would make it a third-degree felony to abandon a restrained animal during a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.
The dog, named Trooper, was rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol during the storm, which is how he earned his name.
According to Sherry Silk, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Trooper's life was at risk. "Had he stayed tethered to the fence as floodwaters rose, he would’ve drowned," Silk explained.
Silk further noted that if Trooper hadn’t been restrained, he might have been able to escape, potentially finding safety if someone had spotted him and rescued him.
"Trooper was a friendly dog, and someone may have seen him, picked him up, and taken him to safety," she added.
In the wake of Trooper’s rescue, Silk emphasized the importance of not leaving animals behind during emergencies, particularly if they are not safely contained.
Roger Mills, Division Director of Hillsborough County Animal Control, expressed support for the bill, which aims to give law enforcement clear guidance on how to handle situations where animals are abandoned during disasters.
"This law will help us address these cases more effectively and ensure accountability," Mills said.
Mills pointed out that officials will assess each case individually but stressed the need for pet owners to have an escape plan.
"We need to know if the animal was left tethered, or if the owner provided means for the pet to survive. That’s not what we’re looking for. We want pet owners to make a plan for their animals."
Silk also urged pet owners to take their animals with them when evacuating or to use pet-friendly shelters during disasters.
Local humane societies and shelters often lack the space to accommodate animals in such circumstances.
"Never, ever leave your pets behind, tethered or not," Silk stressed.