TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two animal cruelty bills named after a dog that was abandoned during a hurricane and another that was violently killed after being adopted.

The governor signed the legislation — based on crimes against two dogs in the Tampa Bay area — Wednesday morning at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in South Florida.

Trooper's Law makes it a third-degree felony to restrain or abandon a dog outside during a natural disaster. Anyone who violates this law could face a five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. It also creates fines for people who abandon their pets or those who don't provide confined animals with proper food, water or exercise.

"Florida will not tolerate cruelty to animals, especially in times of crisis," DeSantis said at a news release.

The bi

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