Under new Florida law, your dog can now be confiscated and impounded: “We have to remember that they are animals”
Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law on Wednesday morning that would help Florida get rid of dangerous dogs. The “Pam Rock Act” is the name of the law that makes it harder for dog owners to keep their pets from attacking people.
The new rule was made in reaction to a number of high-profile tragedies, such as the death of 62-year-old mail carrier Pamela Rock, who was attacked by five dogs in 2022. Another heartbreaking case was that of 8-year-old Michael Millett, who was killed by dogs in his own neighborhood earlier this year. Both families have talked about the danger to keep a pet without being responsible, which has led to lawmakers take action.
The law says that any dog that is being investigated into as dangerous and has either killed someone or caused a significant injury (rating a 5 or above on the Dunbar bite scale) must be confiscated and impounded. The same law applies to any dog that is being investigated into for being dangerous, even if the case doesn’t involve death or serious injury.
Animal control must now quickly inform dog owners about any final order that says their dog is dangerous, either by certified mail or by hand delivery. When a dog is officially labeled as dangerous, the owner has to do a number of things. For example, they have to get at least $100,000 in liability insurance and microchip the dog. The law goes even farther by making it a third-degree felony for anyone who removes the microchip.
In situations where a dangerous dog has killed someone or inflicted very serious injuries—and the animal is surrendered to authorities—animal control must humanely euthanize the dog.
Representative Judson Sapp and Senator Jay Collins introduced the bill. They think it fills in the holes in the old system. Before this law, owners who were attacked or injured severely often only faced minor charges unless someone died.
The law also gives local governments additional power, which means they can better enforce containment rules and other safety measures. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has established a consolidated registry that makes it easy to find, register, and keep track of animals who are considered dangerous at the state level.
Lawmakers passed the bill unanimously, a sign of broad support across both chambers. Representative Sapp credited the Rock family for bringing the issue to his attention.
“This bill was brought to me by the Rock family after the tragic death of Pamela Rock—a constituent of mine and a rural mail carrier. Pamela was brutally attacked and killed by a pack of dogs with a known history of aggression. Her loss is a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections,” Rep. Sapp said in a statement.
“We have to remember that they are animals, and just like a human animal, there are inherently bad and inherently good, but I do think bad behavior of owners definitely can turn a good dog bad,” Rep. Sapp added.
Read also: Florida Republicans want to lower the state tax, Gov. DeSantis doesn’t: “Dead on arrival”
The new law is a step toward justice for Michael Millett’s family. Michael’s mother went to the bill signing and said she hoped the law will stop additional families from going through the same pain.
Supporters of the bill say it will save lives and make dog owners more responsible, even though it can’t change the past or stop every attack. Florida is sending a clear message: people and ethical pet ownership must come first. The laws are stricter and the punishments are harsher.
