Protecting Children and Animals (Florida)

​The Animal Legal Defense Fund​ supports ​this bill.

Sponsors:​ State Rep. Linda Chaney (R-61) and State Sen. Kristen Arrington (D-25)

​Introduction Date:​ December 1, 2025

Florida state lawmakers are currently considering a bill, H.B. 559/S.B. 676, that would require juveniles who commit acts of animal cruelty to undergo mandatory psychological evaluation and increase penalties for committing animal cruelty in the presence of a minor.

When children engage in animal cruelty, it not only impacts the individual victim animal(s), but also presents a red flag for subsequent animal cruelty and possible domestic violence or other kinds of harm to humans down the road. There is an established link between animal cruelty and violence toward humans, and that begins in childhood. For instance, one study found that 43% of perpetrators of school massacres also committed acts of cruelty to animals — generally against cats and dogs. And often, juveniles who abuse animals are being abused or harmed themselves, or have an unsafe home environment. Guaranteeing early intervention via psychological evaluation for youth could help to break this cycle of abuse, thereby protecting countless animals, children, and potentially other humans as well.  

Why is this law important?

Florida currently allows permissive psychological evaluations for juveniles adjudicated delinquent for animal cruelty, but does not make these mandatory.

This bill would further protect children and animals by increasing the penalty for committing acts of animal cruelty in front of minors or forcing minors themselves to commit animal cruelty to a third-degree felony, and creating offenses for involving minors in animal fighting, baiting, and animal sexual abuse.

​​For more information about animal protection legislation​ in Florida ​and opportunities to take action for animals, visit our Florida state page.