In October 2024, a dog was found tied to a fence along I-75 near Tampa, standing in rising floodwaters as Hurricane Milton approached. Florida Highway Patrol troopers rescued him just in time. That dog, now known as Trooper, became the face of one of Florida’s most high-profile animal cruelty cases—and the inspiration for Trooper’s Law, a state law signed in 2025 making it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a natural disaster or evacuation.

But less than a year later, charges against the man arrested in Trooper’s case were dropped. Prosecutors said they lacked enough evidence to prove that the defendant intentionally tied the dog to the fence. While they acknowledged the case raised “ethical questions,” they said they could not meet the legal threshold for aggravated cruelty.

This decision may have followed legal standards, but for many Floridians, the outcome still feels like a failure of justice. Trooper was left in danger. His rescue sparked national outrage. His case helped change the law. And yet, the person accused walked away without consequences.

Laws are only as strong as the will to enforce them. Without full follow-through—from law enforcement to prosecutors to judges—Trooper’s Law is just a headline, not a safeguard.

We are calling on the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, Florida state prosecutors, and lawmakers statewide to commit publicly to enforcing Trooper’s Law in full. That includes proper training for law enforcement, clear standards for evidence collection, and the political will to prosecute cruelty cases—even when they’re difficult.

Trooper’s life was saved. But if his law goes unenforced, the system has failed him—and the next animal may not be as lucky.

Add your name if you believe Florida must uphold Trooper’s Law and ensure that no dog is left behind during a disaster.