Bill punishes those who leave behind pets in hurricanes
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LAKE MARY, Fla. (FOX 35 Orlando) - A Florida lawmaker wants to make sure you take care of your pets especially during a hurricane. One senator filed a bill that punishes people who tie dogs down outside during a hurricane.
For years, Pet Rescue by Judy has been taking in dogs abandoned during hurricanes.
“We send out trucks to lot of places when they had hurricanes throughout Florida and going and getting animals,” said Judy Sarullo, who runs Pet Rescue by Judy.
Many of the dogs left behind are tied up by owners, who hope to get back to them. But when that storm surge comes?
“Really, you're giving these dogs no fighting chance, and we want these dogs to be able to use their basic animal instincts for survival,” said Sen. Joe Gruters, R- Sarasota.
That’s why Sen. Gruters filed a new bill, making it illegal to tie dogs outside during hurricanes. Violators would face a $5000 fine and up to a year behind bars. Sen. Gruters says it’s happening a lot in South Florida.
“Animal control reported a spike over these last couple years,” said Sen. Gruters, and with more storms on the horizon, “we just have to do a better job of educating.”
Animal lovers and rescuers agree and hope the bill goes through.
“They give us unconditional love. To leave them is uncalled for,” said Pat Ryan, of Sanford.
So more dogs stay with families instead of ending up in shelters.
“These are animals. They have feelings. They feel pain, hurt. They get confused when they're abandoned.”
The bill already passed on committee in the Senate this week. It has a second hearing next week.
FOX 35 reported on this story from Lake Mary, Florida.