Immediate press release regarding Ponce's Law from our sponsor of the bill Rep. Tom Leek!! Please read: Florida House of Representatives Representative Tom Leek District 25 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dylan Fisher – (386) 316-7561 March 13, 2018 Dylan.Fisher@myfloridahouse.gov REP. LEEK PASSES PONCE’S LAW – STRENGTHENS STATE ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS TALLAHASSEE- The Florida Legislature passed SB 1576 which increases the punishment level for animal cruelty. Following the horrific beating of a 9-month old puppy named Ponce in Ponce Inlet, Rep. Tom Leek and Sen. Greg Steube filed bills to stiffen penalties for the crime while allowing judges to issue no-contact orders with animal for those convicted. Both bills passed unanimously. Said Rep. Leek, “What happened in Ponce Inlet was tragic, but Ponce’s law is a just and substantive victory for animal welfare in the state of Florida.” Said Senator Steube, “Today the Florida Legislature sent a great bill to the Governor’s desk. I am thrilled we were able to pass legislation that will protect our pets from animal abusers and ensure shelters take reasonable efforts to return stray pets to their owners.” Currently, animal cruelty is a 3rd degree felony and a level 3 offense in Florida’s criminal punishment code. Other crimes at the same offense level include possessing a junkyard car without a VIN number, or the sale of used good as new. Research done by Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shows animal abusers are 5 times more likely to commit violent crimes against people than non-abusers. Additionally, Johns Hopkins University research shows between 71 percent and 83 percent of women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their partners also abused or killed the family pet. Said Rep. Leek, “Together, we are sending a message that Florida is serious about animal cruelty. I am proud of the job we have done, and to have worked with the passionate sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill. In addition to our legislative partners, Ponce’s Law would not have had success without the tireless effort of Ponce Inlet Chief of Police Frank Fabrizio, and advocate Debbie Darino.” Said Ponce Inlet Chief of Police Frank Fabrizio, “This bill will give prosecutors and law enforcement the leverage they need to address animal cruelty in the courtroom. I am proud to have been a part of this mission, and grateful that we have achieved justice for Ponce.” Said Debbie Darino, organizer of Justice for Ponce, “Ponce’s spirit will live on in the lives of animal we are able to protect thanks to this bill. On behalf of the over 86,000 members of Justice for Ponce, a sincere thank you to those involved in making this happen, particularly our sponsor Rep. Tom Leek.” The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for final approval. ###