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Following the heartbreaking case of a dog named Dexter who was brutally killed within a day of being adopted in Florida, lawmakers have introduced legislation in his name that would increase penalties for animal cruelty.

Dexter's Law (HB 255/SB 494) would impose a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty, increasing penalties for those found guilty and the likelihood they will serve jail time. Urge state lawmakers to pass Dexter's Law!

Last summer, Dexter's decapitated body was found in a bag in Fort DeSoto State Park just four days after he was adopted from Pinellas County Animal Services.

This heartbreaking act of betrayal against a dog who should've gotten a second chance to live as a beloved family member has sparked serious concerns about the effectiveness of current laws to hold abusers like the man who killed Dexter accountable.

Dexter's Law would impose a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty, increasing penalties for those found guilty and the likelihood they will receive jail time. The Senate version also requires law enforcement to create a publicly accessible database for those found guilty, which could greatly prevent animal abuse by allowing people to check on potential adopters and others working in animal care, such as pet sitters.

Sadly, Dexter isn't the only one who has suffered at the hands of someone he should have been able to trust. The public made it clear animal cruelty must not be tolerated with support for Ponce's Law, it's time to build on that and send a message that animal protection is a priority.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Pass Dexter’s Law To Increase Penalties For Animal Abuse!

As someone who is concerned with animal welfare, I’m writing to urge you to support Dexter’s Law (HB 255/SB 494), which would increase penalties for animal cruelty.
 
Dexter’s Law was named after a dog whose decapitated body was found just four days after he was adopted from Pinellas County Animal Services. This heartbreaking act of betrayal against a dog who should’ve gotten a second chance to live as a beloved family member has sparked serious concerns about the effectiveness of current laws to hold abusers like the man who killed Dexter accountable.
 
Dexter’s Law would impose a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty, increasing penalties for those found guilty and the likelihood they will receive jail time. The Senate version also requires law enforcement to create a publicly accessible database for those found guilty, which could greatly prevent animal abuse by allowing people to check on potential adopters and others working in animal care, such as pet sitters (as does HB 455).
 
Sadly, Dexter isn’t the only one who has suffered at the hands of someone he should have been able to trust. The public made it clear animal cruelty must not be tolerated with support for Ponce’s Law, it’s time to build on that and make it clear that animal protection is a priority. Given the likelihood that criminals who harm animals will escalate their behavior, this is also a major public safety concern.
 
I sincerely hope you will pass Dexter’s Law to bring Florida’s animal cruelty laws in line with what the public expects and to help protect some of your state’s most vulnerable beings.
 
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

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