New Law Shows No Mercy To Owners Who Abandon Dogs In Disasters

Apr 09, 2019 by apost team

We have all seen the pictures online or in the paper during natural disasters-- abandoned dogs and cats left behind in the wake of a devastating storm with no owners in sight and no way to survive the catastrophic effects of the storm.

Yet it is arguably worse when an animal is left chained to a post, a dog house, or their home—as they cannot even attempt to flee the impending devastation.

With Bill 1738, Florida lawmakers are attempting to force owners to live up to their responsibilities and no longer leave pets tied up after the state receives a significant warning from the National Weather Service.

apost.com

Representative Joe Gruters of the Republican party met no opposition when he proposed the new law to Florida’s Agricultural committee and hopes to see the same support when the law goes before the state Senate.

Bill 1738 will make it illegal to leave dogs tethered in the event of a natural or manmade disaster and will ensure veterinarians can report clients that may be at fault for breaking the law if it passes.

The fines are steep. An offender can receive up to a $5000 fine as well as up to a year in prison with a first degree animal cruelty charge on their record.

No animals should be left behind in the face of imminent danger.

Yet if faced with an impossible decision, pet owners should at least ensure their animals have the best chance at survival during a tornado, hurricane or manmade disaster. If passed, this law will force Florida pet owners to think about their disaster plans in regard to their pets and hopefully will help save lives.

What do you think of Joe Gruters’ proposed law? Do you believe it will help save lives of those pets left behind? Tell us in the comments! Whether you support or oppose this new bill, pass this story along to the other pet lovers in your life and see what they think!