A second proposal would create an animal abuse registry

Abusers names and photos would be publicly displayed for 2 years

Steube would create a new area of Florida law by making animal abuse a felony

A couple of lawmakers say they will fight for cats and dogs when the Florida Legislature convenes its 2018 legislative session. Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, wants to open up a new area of law. His SB 200 would make the malicious or capricious killing of dogs and cats a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

Steube filed the bill Tuesday. He was unavailable for comment.

Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Hernando, followed Steube to the statehouse and doubled down on animal cruelty. His HB 871 would publicize the photos and names of people convicted of animal abuse. Ingoglia would direct the Department of Law Enforcement to create an online-registry of animal abusers, much like an online sex offender registry.

The information would remain on a publicly maintained website for two years after an individual was convicted of felony animal cruelty, animal fighting or sexual activities with another species. Ingoglia also would sanction pet dealers who sell to individuals on the registry. They could face up to three days in jail and a $2,500 fine for providing animals to convicted abusers.

Hillsborough County created a registry last September. Tallahassee City Commission followed suit in April and numerous city and county commissioners statewide called on the Legislature to act.

Ingoglia's proposal sailed through a criminal justice subcommittee during the spring session but died when it failed to get heard by the Appropriations Committee. It was among a handful of measures to protect animals and pets Ingoglia and Steube sponsored last session.

Steube gained some notoriety among pick-up truck drivers earlier this year when he attempted to require dogs be tethered when riding in the bed. That bill died in committee. As did an effort to define and create penalties for animal hoarding.

Reporter James Call can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com.