Stolen Emotional Support Cat in Florida: Next Steps
· 7 min read
Learn practical reporting and documentation steps when an emotional support cat is reported stolen in Florida. Seek qualified advice for legal questions.
Having an emotional support animal (ESA) stolen is not just a devastating personal loss — it may be a serious crime under both Florida state law and federal statute. This guide explains your legal rights and what steps to take if your ESA has been stolen in Florida.
What Is an Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to an individual with a documented mental or emotional disability. ESAs are formally prescribed by licensed mental health professionals and are distinct from service animals. While ESAs don't require specific task training, they are protected by several important legal frameworks.
Florida Laws That Protect ESA Owners
Florida Statute § 828.12 — Animal Cruelty
Under Florida law, anyone who unnecessarily causes the injury, suffering, or death of an animal — or who deprives an animal of food, water, shelter, or medical treatment — can face criminal charges. The removal of an ESA from its owner, particularly when that owner relies on the animal for medical support, may trigger these provisions.
Florida Statute § 812.014 — Theft
Pet theft in Florida is treated as property theft, with criminal penalties based on the assessed value of the animal. A purebred or registered animal may have a value that triggers felony-level theft charges.
Harm to a Vulnerable Adult
Under Florida Statute § 415.111, harming a vulnerable adult — including by depriving them of necessary medical treatment — is a crime. If an ESA is prescribed as part of a documented treatment plan for disability or mental health, its theft may constitute harm to a vulnerable adult.
Federal Protections
The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131)
The federal Animal Welfare Act protects companion animals from abuse and unlawful trafficking. If an ESA is transported across state lines after being stolen, this becomes a federal matter.
The Fair Housing Act
While the FHA primarily governs housing rights, the underlying principle — that ESAs are medically necessary accommodations — supports the argument that their theft causes documented medical harm.
What to Do If Your ESA Was Stolen in Florida
- File a police report immediately — ask that it be classified as both theft AND animal cruelty
- Provide your ESA documentation — the letter from your licensed mental health professional
- Contact the Broward County Sheriff's Office or FLPD and specifically request an animal crimes investigator
- Contact the FBI Miami Field Office if you believe the animal was taken across state lines
- Consult an animal law attorney — several Florida attorneys specialize in animal theft cases
- Flag the microchip — contact your microchip registry to flag the animal as stolen
Our Case
RJ, Lisana, and Daisy — three registered ESAs — were stolen from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in February 2025. This case has been reported to the Broward County Sheriff, FLPD, and the FBI Miami Field Office. A $5,000 reward per cat ($15,000 total) is offered. Call +1 (541) 390-2114 with any information.