Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Governor DeSantis signs two animal-welfare bills, funds statewide cruelty hotline
Summary
Governor DeSantis signed HB 559 and SB 1004 at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, expanding criminal penalties for animal cruelty and adding consumer protections for pet buyers; DBPR will develop voluntary breeder standards and a statewide animal-cruelty hotline funded to be operated by Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
Governor DeSantis signed two animal-welfare bills into law at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, announcing HB 559 will strengthen criminal penalties for those who involve minors or engage in aggravated animal cruelty and that SB 1004 will add consumer protections for people who buy pets.
The bills expand sanctions and enforcement tools, the governor said. "We're here signing bills into law along those lines, and so we were able to get it done," he said, describing HB 559 as creating new felony offenses when adults involve minors in aggravated animal cruelty or animal fighting and increasing penalties for animal fighting and baiting.
SB 1004, the governor and DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin said, focuses on consumers. "At its core, this legislation is…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
