Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters

Changed the bill title and scope from 'abandoning restrained animals' to specifically 'abandoning restrained dogs'.

Changed the definition of 'restraint' from a noun (a device) to a verb (an action of attaching a dog to an object).

Added 'voluntary' evacuation orders to the definition of 'natural disaster' to broaden the circumstances triggering the law.

Clarified the penalty language in subsection (4) to specifically address the act of restraining a dog outside during a natural disaster and then abandoning it.

Changed from addressing general animal cruelty during any declared state of emergency to specifically targeting abandonment of restrained animals during natural disasters.

Added new definitions for 'abandon', 'natural disaster', 'owner', and 'restraint' to clarify what constitutes a violation.

Added specific prohibition against abandoning animals restrained outside during natural disasters as a separate offense.

Changed effective date from July 1, 2025 to October 1, 2025.

Increased maximum fine for the new abandonment offense from $5,000 to $10,000 and elevated it to a third-degree felony.

Added short title 'Trooper's Law' and changed the statute section from 828.12 to 828.13.