Talahassee, Fla. (WFLA) – One Tampa Bay area lawmaker attempts to tighten his sentence for animal cruelty, especially in cases like the shocking discovery of Dexter, a decapitated dog found in Fort DeSoto Beach. I’m here.
If passed, the bill could increase the “multiplier factor” in the sentence and impose a more severe punishment on judges, such as prisons.
“I didn’t expect a dog beheaded on the beach. I can’t imagine what kind of person could decapitate an innocent animal,” said state legislator Linda Cheney (R-St. Pete). I did.
Dexter was hired by an animal shelter in Pinellas County and was beheaded a few days later at Fort DeSoto Park. Deputies say 66-year-old Domingo Rodriguez is the man accused of beheading Dexter and abandoning the body by a mangrove. His trial is currently underway.
“If I knew anyone who lives in my community who beheaded a dog, I wouldn’t want him to be near my mother, near my children, near school,” Senator Cheney said. “These types of conduct are heinous acts that lead to violence in our community. It’s an issue of animal protection and public safety at the same time.”
Cheney wants to end this violent action. She is heading the charges on HB 255, a new bill that increases the likelihood of prison time for convicted offenders.
Wayne A. Logan, a professor at Steven M. Goldstein FSU College of Law, says other substantial criminal penalties are being applied across the country. prison.
“What’s going on in Florida is frankly part of the interest in Congress and courts across the country, and it’s the whole region, making people account for animal abuse,” Logan said. .
8 On your side, we caught up with Tampa-based lawyer Bryant Camareno to review the language of the bill.
“This change in the law will not only reduce the discretion that a judge must name someone to prison, but also increase the likelihood that anyone convicted of such a crime will go to prison,” Camareno said. I said that.
A Lakeland woman was charged when she called to the insurance company and said “delay, denial, retired”
According to current state law, animal cruelty deaths are classified as three felony in prisons for up to five years.
The bill is currently sitting on the Criminal Justice Committee. Chaney is confident he will have the support he needs to do that across the finish line.
“I am confident that my fellow legislators recognize the importance of this not only to protect animals, but to protect our vulnerable population,” Cheney said.
