Florida House Bill 121 would add causing the death or injury of an animal during the course of an unrelated felony, or unlawfully causing the death a family pet by “an act imminently dangerous to any animal and evincing a depraved mind” (regardless of the degree of suffering) as crimes that could be charged and prosecuted as aggravated cruelty, a third degree felony. Conviction for aggravated animal cruelty can mandate a fine of up to $10,000, psychological counseling, and anger management treatment, in addition to any prison sentence imposed. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.
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