About Us

Our Story

Our story began with the brutal killing of a 9-month-old black Labrador Retriever puppy named Ponce, who was brutally killed in 2017, in Ponce Inlet, Florida. Out of this horrendous killing is what came to be known as “Ponce’s Law”.

Ponce’s Law is the felony aggravated animal cruelty statute for the state of Florida (F.S. 828.12) and it enables the courts to sentence abusers to stricter sentences and allows at the court’s discretion, to ban convicted abusers from owning or having contact with animals.

To further help with the welfare of animals that are in need of medical care and in need of emergency treatment, The Ponce Animal Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was created. Please see our Mission Statement for more information.

Our President & Founder

Debbie Darino is the President and Founder of The Ponce Animal Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Through her tireless work as the creator of Ponce’s Law, many other efforts to help with the protection of animals were created also. As a result of her work on behalf of all animals, she was awarded the following:

• Top Ten Animal Defenders in America 2019 from the ALDF
• Humanitarian of the Year from the Halifax Humane Society
• Canine Warrior Award from the Veteran’s Group Ormond Strong
• Best Practices Award from FAC for Animal Abuse Database
• Proclamation naming “Debbie Darino Day” from Volusia County, FL
• Certificate of Appreciation from the Town of Ponce Inlet

What We Do

The Ponce Animal Foundation, Inc., will help cover expenses on a three-fold basis as follows:

1. Animals that are victims of Domestic Violence.
2. Animals that are victims of Animal Cruelty.
3. Animals who are homeless, indigent, strays, victims of natural disasters, and for owners or rescues that are unable to cover the cost of services for medical treatment through veterinary and emergency medical care.