SPCA of Ocala taking ‘Molly’s Law’ statewide

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - Molly’s Law, which originated in Marion County, puts animal abusers on a list that anyone can access to prevent them from adopting another animal.

Officials with the SPCA of Ocala want to ensure that people on this list can’t move to a neighboring county and attempt to adopt an animal there.

“There are 67 counties in the state of Florida. Of all 67, only about a dozen have anything similar to Molly’s Law,” said SPCA Vice President Betsy Gamberino.

Molly’s Law was established in 2017 when a dog named Molly in Marion County was stabbed and beaten by its owner. Since then, they’ve been working to take this statewide.

Gamberino told TV20 that taking this to Tallahassee is a lengthy process.

“If you ever have tried to walk a bill through our state legislation process, it’s lengthy, and it needs support and it needs recognition,” Gamberino said.

Gamberino says oftentimes animal abusers also have a history of abusing people.

“In domestic violence situations, abuse of the elderly, child abuse. 90% have also had a history of abusing animals.” Gamberino said.

The bill must be approved by two more committees before going to the state senate.

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