Florida Bill Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis to Protect First Responder Animals

Here, at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A. -- we are advocates for animal rights.

Today, Governor DeSantis signed bill HB 1047. The bill increases the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for anyone that "intentionally" and "maliciously" touches, strikes, or causes bodily harm to dogs and horses that are working with police, search and rescue, and/or firefighters.

The bill also makes it a third-degree felony to "knowingly and willfully" resist, obstruct, or oppose police dogs/horses by "offering or doing violence" to the animals.

This is a great step toward protecting and recognizing animals as more than just "property."

You can watch attorney Carolina Nunez go more in depth regarding animal laws in Florida.