TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – Floridians convicted of animal cruelty could soon find their names publicly listed in an online database if a newly proposed bill becomes law.
Sen. Tom Leek has introduced SB 494, which would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to maintain and publish a searchable online database containing the names of individuals convicted of animal cruelty or those who pleaded guilty or no contest to such charges.
If the bill is passed and signed into law, it would take effect July 1, with full implementation mandated by Jan. 1, 2026.
Florida law defines aggravated animal cruelty as a third-degree felony, applicable when a person “intentionally commits an act to any animal” or fails to act in cases where an animal suffers cruel death, excessive pain, or repeated unnecessary suffering.
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For animal advocates, the proposed legislation is a long-awaited victory.
Molly’s Law: A Push for Public Animal Abuse Registries
Molly’s Law is an initiative advocating for the creation of a statewide animal abuse registry, ensuring that individuals convicted of animal cruelty are publicly listed in a searchable database. The law is named in honor of Molly, a victim of severe animal abuse, symbolizing the need for stricter accountability and transparency.
Under Molly’s Law, anyone found guilty of animal cruelty or neglect would have their name recorded in a publicly accessible database, preventing them from adopting or purchasing animals in the future. The goal is to deter repeat offenders, aid law enforcement in monitoring known abusers, and empower shelters, breeders, and pet stores to make informed decisions when rehoming animals.
Lilly Baron, president of the SPCA of Ocala, has been a driving force behind this effort, advocating for years to have Florida recognize and implement such a registry. “Six years of trying to get this passed. Now, I pray it goes all the way,” Baron said, emphasizing the urgency of protecting animals from known offenders.
“When I heard it, I just started crying — I’m still crying,” Baron shared.
If SB 494 passes, Florida will move one step closer to enacting the principles of Molly’s Law, making it one of the first states in the country to publicly track convicted animal abusers.
Targeting Equine Abuse
The bill specifically addresses equine abuse, making it a third-degree felony to intentionally trip, fell, rope, or lasso a horse’s legs for the purpose of entertainment or sport.
Animal welfare has been a focus of the Florida Legislature following last year’s case of Trooper, a dog left tied to a pole as Hurricane Milton approached. The dog was rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol officer, sparking widespread outrage.
Additional Protections Under SB 150
Another bill, SB 150, introduced by Sen. Don Gaetz, would impose stricter penalties for animal cruelty committed during a state of emergency. The legislation states that an individual who abuses an animal in an emergency-declared area would face a third-degree felony charge.
Under Florida law, animal cruelty can be prosecuted as a first-degree misdemeanor when a person “unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives [an animal] of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates or kills any animal.”
If SB 494 passes, Florida will take a significant step toward holding animal abusers publicly accountable.