Florida Highway Trooper Rescues Dog Tied to Fence as Hurricane Milton Approaches

A Florida Highway Patrol officer rescued a dog tied to a fence just hours before Hurricane Milton was expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast.

Dog Rescued Just Before Hurricane Milton’s Arrival

The incident occurred along Interstate 75 in the Tampa area, where mandatory evacuations were underway as the region braced for the powerful Category 3 storm. The officer discovered the dog, a white bullterrier, standing in water and tied to a fence in the rain. Body camera footage shows the trooper cautiously approaching the distressed dog, which growled and barked in fear. Despite the dog’s initial reaction, the trooper spoke gently to calm the animal, saying, “It’s OK, buddy. I don’t blame you.” After successfully freeing the dog, the officer ensured it was taken to a veterinarian, where it received a clean bill of health. The Florida Department of Highway Safety confirmed the dog is now safe.

Governor DeSantis Condemns Pet Abandonment During Hurricane

As Hurricane Milton threatened to bring destructive winds, flooding, and tornados to Florida’s west coast, Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to take their pets with them when evacuating. He posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), thanking the Florida Highway Patrol for rescuing the dog and vowing to hold pet owners accountable if they abandon their animals during the storm. “It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm,” DeSantis said. “Florida will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable.” Floridians evacuating ahead of Hurricane Milton are being directed to shelters, many of which are pet-friendly, so that families can seek safety together with their animals. Authorities are emphasizing that leaving pets behind, especially in dangerous conditions, is not only inhumane but also punishable under state law.

Tampa Bay Prepares for Hurricane Milton’s Impact

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall late Wednesday night along Florida’s west coast, with sustained winds of over 120 mph and the potential for widespread damage. Tampa Bay, a region with more than 3.3 million residents, is under threat of significant destruction, despite having avoided major hurricanes for over a century. The storm is projected to bring devastating winds, life-threatening flooding, and even tornados to the area.

As residents flee their homes, multiple shelters have opened, including those accommodating pets to ensure families can evacuate without leaving their animals behind. Authorities are warning that those who do not take the necessary precautions to protect their pets could face legal consequences. Florida’s officials continue to urge everyone in the storm’s path to heed evacuation warnings and prioritize the safety of both their families and pets. The rescue of the abandoned dog is a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable animals during natural disasters, as the state braces for Hurricane Milton’s impact.