DeSantis Announces Animal Cruelty Charges Against Dog Named Trooper, Owner Faces Third-Degree Felony, Up to 5 Years

Oct 15, 2024, 06:15 PM

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that animal cruelty charges will be filed against the owner of a dog named Trooper, who was tied to a fence in the Tampa area as Hurricane Milton approached. The charges are being pursued by Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez, whom DeSantis appointed. The owner has been identified and is now in jail, facing a third-degree felony charge, which could result in a prison sentence of up to five years. DeSantis emphasized the seriousness of animal cruelty in Florida and stated that authorities are committed to prosecuting such offenses.