Poppy's Law

Proposal

Poppy's Law 

- An Act for the Protection of Animals in Florida

First Draft - Outline

**Who was Poppy?**

Poppy, a sweet dog, was owner-surrendered to Hillsborough County Animal Services. Later, she found a glimmer of hope through a local animal rescue on August 18, 2023. But what followed was nothing short of heart-wrenching – a journey marked by neglect, mistreatment, and abandonment that led to her untimely passing.

**Preamble:**

Whereas, the state recognizes the importance of safeguarding the welfare of animals; and

Whereas, the state aims to address the issue of animal abuse and neglect by establishing comprehensive legal measures; and

Whereas, this legislation seeks to protect animals and promote responsible animal care.

**Section 1: Title and Purpose**

1.1 Title: This legislation shall be known as "Poppy's Law - An Act for the Protection of Animals."

1.2 Purpose: The purpose of Poppy's Law is to establish a framework for the protection of animals by enacting three core pillars as outlined by Veterans Against Animal Abuse.

**Section 2: Special Prosecutors for Animal Crimes**

2.1 Appointment of Special Prosecutors: Each county within the state shall appoint and maintain dedicated special prosecutors for crimes against animals. These special prosecutors shall be responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of animal abuse and cruelty within their respective counties.

2.2 Duties and Responsibilities:

   a. Special prosecutors shall focus exclusively on animal abuse cases, ensuring that justice is served for animals.

   b. They shall work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, animal control, and advocacy organizations to investigate and prosecute cases promptly and effectively.

**Section 3: Dedicated Units in Sheriff's Offices**

3.1 Establishment of Dedicated Units: Sheriff's Offices within the state shall establish specialized units responsible for investigating reports of animal abuse and neglect.

3.2 Composition of Units:

   a. Each unit shall consist of trained personnel with expertise in handling animal abuse cases.

   b. Units shall collaborate with local animal shelters, veterinarians, and rescue organizations to facilitate the rescue and rehabilitation of abused animals.

3.3 Specialized Training and Certification in Forensic Investigation:

   a. Each deputy assigned to these units shall undergo specialized training and obtain certification in the forensic investigation of animal cruelty.

   b. This training shall encompass the collection and preservation of evidence, recognition of signs of animal abuse, and the prosecution of animal cruelty cases.

   c. Certification shall be periodically renewed to ensure the ongoing competence of unit personnel in handling animal abuse investigations.

3.4 Use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWC):

   a. All field Animal Control Officers shall be equipped with Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) during the execution of their duties.

   b. BWCs shall be utilized to document and record animal abuse calls, investigations, and interactions with individuals involved in animal cruelty cases.

   c. The recorded footage shall serve as valuable evidence in animal abuse cases and ensure transparency and accountability in all field operations.

**Section 4: Mandatory Reporting**

4.1 Reporting Requirement:

   a. Veterinarians, Animal Shelters, and Rescues within the state shall be mandated to report any suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

4.2 Reporting Procedure:

   a. Reports shall be made promptly, and all relevant information shall be provided to aid in the investigation and intervention process.

   b. Failure to report suspected cases may result in penalties as outlined in Section 5.

**Section 5: Penalties and Enforcement**

5.1 Violation Penalties: Any individual, organization, or entity found in violation of this law, including failing to report suspected animal abuse, shall be subject to appropriate penalties and legal actions.

5.2 Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies shall enforce the provisions of Poppy's Law and take necessary actions to ensure compliance.

**Section 6: Implementation and Funding**

6.1 Implementation: This law shall take effect [insert effective date] and shall be implemented across all counties within the state.

6.2 Funding: Adequate funding and resources shall be allocated to support the implementation of the three core pillars outlined in this law, including the appointment of special prosecutors, establishment of dedicated units, and educational programs.

**Section 7: Severability**

7.1 Severability Clause: If any provision of this law is found to be unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

**Section 8: Effective Date**

8.1 Effective Date: Poppy's Law shall take effect on [insert effective date].

In witness whereof, we, the [State Name] Legislature, hereby enact Poppy's Law to protect the welfare of animals.

[Signature of the Speaker of the House] [Signature of the President of the Senate]