An abandoned puppy was rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper after discovering the animal tied to a pole amid the approaching Hurricane Milton. The FHP Troopers released a video from their official X handle, saying: "Do NOT do this to your pets please…"
The heart-wrenching video shows the puppy tied to a pole with water to its belly level amid the storm surge caused by the impending landfall of Hurricane Milton. As the officer got to the spot and approached the pup, it got aggressive and seemed terrified.
THIS MAKES ME SO MAD !! 😡 😡 😡Thank you to @FHPTampa HEROES who rescued dog left by owners tied to fencepost in Tampa as Hurricane Milton approaches. Puppy was up to its belly in water when troopers got there. @livenowfoxpic.twitter.com/tWREoXrV6Q
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowTV) October 9, 2024
Much of Florida's west coast has been asked to evacuate amid the forecasted storm surge from Milton. It seemed likely that the owner of the dog left it tied to the pole while evacuating.
The comment section of the video was filled with users criticizing the action of the owner. One comment read, "Florida Highway Patrol rescued a dog that was left tied to a post as hurricane Milton arrives. Who does this????."
There was another comment criticizing the owner that read, "Florida Highway Patrol Troopers rescued this dog tied on a pole, looks like the owner abandoned the dog amid Hurricane Milton making landfall."
Florida state trooper rescues a dog left tied outside in the face of Hurricane Milton approaching. It’s bad enough to leave your pets when you evacuate, but this is next level! 😩 pic.twitter.com/bs4T9MvwZl
— Sabrina Smolders 🦋🌹 (@SabrinaSmolders) October 9, 2024
Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida's Tampa Bay area late Wednesday. All of Tampa Bay, with around 3.3 million residents, has been evacuated. The city of Tampa said in a social media post that the time to evacuate has passed.
Schools and universities remain closed, the airports have shut down, and nearly 2000 flights have been canceled on Wednesday alone.