JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 A major part of Florida\u2019s new animal cruelty law is now in effect. Known as Dexter\u2019s Law, the legislation establishes a searchable statewide database of people convicted of animal abuse, similar to Florida\u2019s sex offender registry.<\/p>\n
Dexter\u2019s Law is named after Dexter, a dog found decapitated in Pinellas County. The law increases penalties in severe animal abuse cases and, beginning January 1, requires the FDLE to publish the searchable registry of convicted abusers.<\/p>\n
Some dog owners say the transparency is a necessary step following several disturbing cases in northeast Florida, including a pit bull found tied to a tree and shot, and a Great Dane abandoned and left to starve.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s great,\u201d said dog owner Bryan Withers.<\/p>\n
Withers added, \u201cA lot of people are cruel to animals, and they shouldn\u2019t be allowed to have one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other dog owners at the park emphasized that there are responsible alternatives for people who no longer want their pets, such as shelters or rehoming through social media. Jackie Withers said that\u2019s how her family found their dog, Nugget.<\/p>\n
\u201cA guy on Facebook didn\u2019t want him anymore, and so I contacted him, and he brought him over,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
For many, the new law represents a way to ensure long-term accountability for pet owners.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been long overdue, and I think it\u2019s a good idea for accountability just holding dog owners or pet owners generally accountable for their actions and how they treat their dogs to take care of them in general and just the repercussions if you mistreat, abuse, or neglect, any kind of animal,\u201d said dog owner Bryson Sprayberry.<\/p>\n
Sprayberry also hopes the registry will discourage abuse before it occurs.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, let\u2019s get rid of the malicious intent, like you don\u2019t need to be that way. It\u2019s just it\u2019s disgusting behavior,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The animal cruelty registry is now live through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement: https:\/\/www.fdle.state.fl.us\/<\/a> <\/p>\n >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<<\/a><\/p>\n [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks<\/a>]<\/p>\n