Make It Illegal To Abandon Pets In Deadly Storms

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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Hurricanes leave no second chances for pets left chained outside—your voice can push states to protect them before the next storm claims more innocent lives.

Make It Illegal To Abandon Pets In Deadly Storms

When Hurricane Milton bore down on Florida last October, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper spotted a bull terrier trapped in rising water along Interstate 75. The dog, later named Trooper, had been abandoned and tethered to a fence as the Category 4 storm approached1. His survival was a matter of minutes—and luck.

The images and video of Trooper’s rescue went viral, sparking outrage. Lawmakers responded by passing “Trooper’s Law,” making it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or evacuation order2. The penalties include up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,0003. The law takes effect in Florida on October 1, 2025.

Why Other States Must Act Now

Florida’s action came too late to prevent Trooper’s suffering, but it will save lives in the storms to come. States along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts—Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina—face the same threats from hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. Yet none of these states have a comparable law to protect dogs from being left chained outside in deadly conditions4.

Every hurricane season, shelters and animal rescue groups receive reports of pets left behind to face rising water, flying debris, and extreme winds. Many die before help arrives. These animals have no way to escape on their own. They rely entirely on their human caregivers. Abandonment in a disaster is not only neglect—it is cruelty.

Compassion and Preparedness Save Lives

Trooper’s story is a stark reminder that planning for pets during emergencies is just as important as securing your home. Pet-friendly shelters, travel carriers, vaccination records, and evacuation plans can mean the difference between life and death.

By enacting their own versions of Trooper’s Law, these states can ensure stronger protections for animals and empower law enforcement to act before a tragedy occurs. The law’s true purpose is prevention—creating awareness, encouraging responsibility, and making sure pets are included in every family’s disaster plan5.

Now Is the Time to Protect the Vulnerable

With another hurricane season already here, the stakes are high. A clear legal standard with real consequences will save countless dogs from the fate Trooper narrowly escaped. Passing such laws shows leadership, compassion, and a commitment to protecting the most defenseless members of our communities.

We cannot wait for another heartbreaking rescue to spur action. The governors of Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina must take a stand now.

Take Action

Sign the petition calling on these governors to pass their own versions of Trooper’s Law. Together, we can ensure that no dog is left behind to suffer in the wake of a natural disaster.

More on this issue:

  1. Ashley Ferrer, The Florida Times-Union (20 Mar 2025), "Dog Tied to Fence During Hurricane Milton Inspires New Florida Law."
  2. News Service of Florida & Briana Trujillo, NBC Miami (20 Mar 2025), "Florida Senate Passes Trooper's Law, Named for Dog Abandoned During Hurricane Milton."
  3. Gabrielle Russon, Florida Politics (30 Apr 2025), "Legislature Passes ‘Trooper’s Law’ After Dog Abandoned in Hurricane Milton."
  4. Kyle Melnick, The Washington Post (21 Feb 2025), "Hurricane Milton Rescue Dog ‘Trooper’ Inspires New Law."
  5. Johnny Diaz, The New York Times (2 Aug 2025), "No Pets Left Behind: How a Dog’s Hurricane Rescue Changed Florida Law."

The Petition

To the Governors of Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina,

We urge you to act now to protect the most vulnerable during natural disasters—our companion animals. Florida recently passed Trooper’s Law, making it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during hurricanes or under evacuation orders. This life-saving measure was inspired by Trooper, a bull terrier found tied to a fence in rising floodwaters as Hurricane Milton approached. His story could have ended in tragedy, but instead sparked real change.

In every major storm, heartbreaking accounts surface of pets left chained outside, unable to flee floodwaters, flying debris, or extreme winds. Many suffer needlessly or die when simple planning and humane treatment could have saved them. These are sentient beings who depend entirely on human care. Leaving them behind is not just neglect—it is cruelty.

Natural disasters test the strength of our communities. How we treat the voiceless during these crises is a reflection of our values. By enacting a law similar to Trooper’s Law, your states can send a clear message: abandoning animals in harm’s way is unacceptable and will be met with serious consequences.

This is not only about punishment—it’s about prevention. Strong laws create awareness, encourage preparedness, and give law enforcement the tools they need to intervene before it’s too late. They ensure that pets are part of every evacuation plan, just as they are part of our families.

By adopting your own version of Trooper’s Law, you will help prevent suffering, save lives, and uphold the compassion and humanity that define great leadership. Together, we can build a safer, more humane future for both people and animals in the face of natural disasters.

Sincerely,

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