A state lawmaker is seeking tougher penalties for Floridians who abandon their pets during hurricanes. Why it matters: Senate Bill 150 aims to make it a third-degree felony to restrain an animal and leave it outside during a natural disaster.

Trooper, the dog who was abandoned during Hurricane Milton in October, was adopted and then faced two major shocking health issues once he was embraced by his new owners, Frank and Karla Spina.