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Starting on January 1, 2026, Florida launched a statewide on-line registry of convicted animal abusers beneath Dexter’s Regulation, permitting shelters, rescues, adoption companies, and the general public to verify whether or not an individual has a historical past of animal abuse earlier than putting pets of their care. This database contains people who’ve been convicted of, pleaded responsible to, or entered a no contest plea for animal cruelty offenses, making certain that pets are shielded from these with a historical past of abuse.The general public animal abuse registry is a part of Dexter’s Regulation, which was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Could 28, 2025, and took impact on July 1, 2025. It closes a loophole that beforehand allowed identified animal abusers to undertake or buy cats and canines even after convictions. The database helps be certain that pets are positioned solely in secure and accountable houses.Dexter’s Regulation additionally strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, introducing measures that permit harsher sentencing for severe offenses, holding abusers accountable and stopping future abuse.Dexter’s Regulation is known as after Dexter, a canine adopted from a shelter in Pinellas County who was tragically killed simply days after his adoption. Dexter’s case highlighted weaknesses in Florida’s authorized system for safeguarding animals and sparked requires stronger safeguards to stop animal cruelty.With the statewide registry now lively, Florida’s shelters and rescue organizations can display potential adopters, decreasing the danger of repeat offenders. The database displays verified convictions and plea outcomes, not allegations, making certain accuracy.Animal advocates are praising Dexter’s Regulation as a historic step for animal welfare, selling stronger accountability, safer houses for pets, and compassionate look after animals. The regulation additionally helps different Florida animal safety laws, together with Trooper’s Regulation, which addresses the abandonment of pets throughout pure disasters.
Starting on January 1, 2026, Florida launched a statewide on-line registry of convicted animal abusers beneath Dexter’s Regulation, permitting shelters, rescues, adoption companies, and the general public to verify whether or not an individual has a historical past of animal abuse earlier than putting pets of their care. This database contains people who’ve been convicted of, pleaded responsible to, or entered a no contest plea for animal cruelty offenses, making certain that pets are shielded from these with a historical past of abuse.
The general public animal abuse registry is a part of Dexter’s Regulation, which was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Could 28, 2025, and took impact on July 1, 2025. It closes a loophole that beforehand allowed identified animal abusers to undertake or buy cats and canines even after convictions. The database helps be certain that pets are positioned solely in secure and accountable houses.
Dexter’s Regulation additionally strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, introducing measures that permit harsher sentencing for severe offenses, holding abusers accountable and stopping future abuse.
Dexter’s Regulation is known as after Dexter, a canine adopted from a shelter in Pinellas County who was tragically killed simply days after his adoption. Dexter’s case highlighted weaknesses in Florida’s authorized system for safeguarding animals and sparked requires stronger safeguards to stop animal cruelty.
With the statewide registry now lively, Florida’s shelters and rescue organizations can display potential adopters, decreasing the danger of repeat offenders. The database displays verified convictions and plea outcomes, not allegations, making certain accuracy.
Animal advocates are praising Dexter’s Regulation as a historic step for animal welfare, selling stronger accountability, safer houses for pets, and compassionate look after animals. The regulation additionally helps different Florida animal safety laws, together with Trooper’s Regulation, which addresses the abandonment of pets throughout pure disasters.
