Gov. DeSantis unveils legislative agenda to protect puppies

Gov. Ron DeSantis is rolling out plans to protect animals from abuse, including cracking down on puppy mills and other negligent breeders, he announced at a press conference at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Grove Tuesday morning.

His administration is asking lawmakers to draft legislation for the upcoming Legislative Session, which begins in January, to end inhumane breeding practices by working with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s office to develop best practices, “so that we have ethical dog breeding in the state of Florida.”

Additionally, DeSantis is requesting legislation that would increase penalties against individuals who abuse or torture animals in front of a minor, something DeSantis said could “very much scar the minor and potentially cause harm going forward for them.”

Outside of proposed legislation, DeSantis said his administration is working with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to license dog breeders. Doing so, he said, would allow the state to hold breeders accountable “for abusive conditions like cramming multiple dogs in small cages, limiting their access to water, over breeding, or leaving them out and exposed to extreme elements.”

DeSantis said the state is also establishing a hotline for individuals to call to report animal abuse.

He’s also calling on pet stores to offer space to local shelters for adoption before providing space to sell dogs, particularly those from puppy mills.

“Now, most of the stores, brands, I think, do that now, but not all of them. Why would we not want to be focusing on helping … find these dogs homes that are in a shelter? That should be the priority one for everything that we’re doing with respect to dogs,” he said.

DeSantis also announced new consumer protection efforts, by increasing transparency on pricing “to ensure people are not being roped in to usurious financial agreements when families adopt or purchase a dog.” Protections, he said, will also include ensuring veterinarians are providing an accurate bill of health on an adoptable pet, and adding accountability based on what vets report on an animal’s health. Such a provision would ensure new pet owners are not adopting a pet with concealed health issues that could be costly to address.

“Breeders should operate ethically, humanely and responsibly … We all know our pets are extended family members,” Simpson said of the latest policy proposals.

He said the Department of Agriculture has extensive experience developing best practices, including working with farmers to reduce water use on crops.

“Today, we’re going to bring that same expertise in establishing best management practices for dog breeders, ensuring standards are science based, practical and enforceable,” Simpson said.

The DBPR will oversee the breeder registry and oversight program.

“No one wants unnecessary red tape, but what we do want are clear, enforceable standards that prioritize safety, fairness and welfare,” DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin said.

She outlined a process that will focus on transparency and consistent enforcement, though didn’t provide additional details on the registry program.

DeSantis compared it to casino licenses in Las Vegas.

“Like, that’s like gold to them, right? Because if they, if you run afoul, and they pull your license, well then all of a sudden, you know, you can’t operate,” he said, adding that the threats would be similar for breeders who don’t abide by humane and ethical standards.