TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — One Tampa Bay area lawmaker is pushing to toughen sentences for animal cruelty, specifically in cases like the shocking discovery of Dexter, a decapitated dog found at Fort DeSoto Beach.
If passed, the bill would increase the "multiplier factor" in sentencing, letting judges impose tougher punishments like prison time.
"I never thought that there would be a beheaded dog found on the beach. I can't imagine what kind of person could behead an innocent animal," said State Representative Linda Chaney, (R-St. Pete).
Dexter was adopted from the Pinellas County Animal Shelter, and days later, was found beheaded at Fort Desoto Park. According to deputies, Domingo Rodriguez, 66, is the man accused of decapitating Dexter and dumping his remains in the mangroves. His trial is now underway.
- Dexter's Law: Pushing for tougher sentencing for animal cruelty
"If I knew of somebody living in my community that had beheaded a dog, I would not want him near my mother, near my children, near a school," said Rep. Chaney. "These kinds of acts are heinous acts that lead to violence in our community. This is a public safety issue as well as an animal protection issue."
Chaney wants to end this violent behavior. She is leading the charge with a new bill, HB 255, that would increase the chances of prison time for convicted offenders.
Wayne A. Logan, Steven M. Goldstein Professor at FSU College of Law, says there have been other substantial criminal penalties applied across the country, referring to a case in Georgia where a man who engaged in widespread animal cruelty was sentenced to 475 years in prison.
"What's happening in Florida is kind of part and parcel of the interest in legislatures and courts, frankly throughout the country, holding people to account for animal cruelty," said Logan.
8 on your side caught up with Tampa-based Attorney Bryant Camareno to review the language of the bill.
"This change in the law, not only does it reduce the discretion a judge may have to sentence someone to prison, but it increases the chance, the likelihood, that the person convicted of such a crime will go to prison," said Camareno.
Current state law says animal cruelty death is classified as a 3rd-degree felony with a maximum of 5 years in prison.
The bill is currently sitting in the criminal justice committee. Representative Chaney is confident it will get the support it needs to make it across the finish line.
"I feel confident that my fellow legislators are going to see the importance of this not only to protect animals but to protect our vulnerable population," said Chaney.