Calls are being made for a dog owner to be held accountable after leaving their pet behind before Hurricane Milton.
A video that went viral, shared by the Florida Highway Patrol on Tuesday (October 8), depicts an officer responding to a report about a dog abandoned and tied to a fence near the I-75.
In the footage, the officer carefully approaches the dog, which is standing in floodwater reaching up to its legs.
The compassionate officer gently reassures the dog by saying ‘it’s okay’ as he approaches.
Though met with growls and barks from the frightened animal, the officer calmly responded: “I don’t blame you. It’s okay.”
Florida Highway Patrol Tampa shared the video on Twitter with the caption: “FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please.”
A subsequent tweet from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirmed that the dog in the video was safely rescued shortly after the video was posted.
“The dog rescued by @FHPTampa is safe and receiving care,” they stated.
“Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health.”
Many have suggested naming the dog Trooper, in honor of the team that rescued it.
Others expressed outrage at the owner’s actions and demanded legal action against them.
One person commented: “This is ridiculous. The owner needs to face legal consequences.”
Another urged: “Find the owner and lock them up!”
Someone else remarked: “People who harm children and pets are the lowest in society and need to be dealt with accordingly.”
Another individual expressed anger: “I hope that dog is chipped, and they find the owner and charge them with animal abuse that his horrible we are literally getting hit by a hurricane in hours.”
Meanwhile, others praised the Troopers for saving the helpless animal.
“Wow. People can be so heartless. Thank you for saving him,” one person commended the team.
“Absolutely heartbreaking and cruel that anyone would abandon their pet. Well done and thank you for rescuing them,” another added.
Despite some conflicting reports about the dog’s return to its owner, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles clarified that these claims are ‘inaccurate’.
“The dog was rescued and taken to a vet where he received a clean bill of health. He is safe and being cared for at this time,” a spokesperson informed UNILAD.