Telegraph Staff Writer
STARKE— Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley has filed a bill to give animals legal representation in courts, similar to the state’s current Guardian ad Litem program that provides children with advocates in Florida courts.
Bradley represents all of Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Gilchrist and Union counties in the Senate and a portion of Alachua County.
Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross of St. Petersburg filed an identical bill in the House, giving the effort bipartisan support.
“Honored to sponsor this doggone good bill w/ @jenn_bradley,” Cross wrote in a social media post. “These animals deserve a voice, and this bill will ensure that there is a trusted advocate that can represent the interests of justice.”
The proposed law allows judges to appoint an animal advocate in cases where an animal’s welfare or custody is being determined.
The advocate would monitor court proceedings, attend hearings and present information to the judge relevant to the case.
Under the bill, attorneys or law students could volunteer for the role.
Kate McFall, Florida director of the Humane Society of the U.S., said the legislation would fill a gap in the court system.
“The Courtroom Animal Advocate Program will allow for much-needed support to prosecutors and judges in the shape of animal cruelty while providing a voice for the animal victims,” she said in a news release.
Neither bill has yet been heard by a committee. A similar proposal filed last year by Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo failed to pass.
