Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves on Tuesday, May 12 to sign House Bill 1521 on Domestic Animals, landmark state legislation designed to strengthen animal welfare protections, increase accountability for animal cruelty offenders, expand consumer protections in pet purchases and promote responsible breeding practices throughout Florida. HB 1521 takes effect July 1.
DeSantis signed the bill alongside Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin, and Big Dog Ranch Rescue Founder, CEO & President Lauree Simmons.
“Big Dog Ranch Rescue has long advocated for stronger protections for animals and greater accountability for irresponsible breeding and sales practices,” Simmons said. “We are grateful to Gov. DeSantis and Florida lawmakers for supporting legislation that helps protect animals, consumers and families across Florida.”
HB 1521 creates stronger safeguards for domestic animals through several major reforms, including:
- Establishing a searchable online database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty, maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
- Expanding consumer protections for pet purchasers through longer reporting time frames for illnesses and hereditary conditions.
- Requiring greater transparency from pet dealers, including disclosure of medical records and financing terms.
- Increasing compliance and record keeping requirements for pet dealers.
- Directing the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop voluntary best management practices for dog breeders and educational resources for consumers.
- The legislation also strengthens legal remedies available to consumers and increases penalties for violations involving deceptive or unfair pet sales practices.
Founded in 2008, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has saved more than 89,000 dogs and remains committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and placing dogs into loving homes. The organization also focuses on education, animal legislation, disaster response, responsible pet ownership, and spay and neuter initiatives to reduce dog overpopulation nationwide. To learn more, visit www.bdrr.org.
