Florida Troopers Rescue Dog Tied to Pole Ahead of Hurricane
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers have rescued a dog left tied to a pole on Interstate 75 near Bruce B Downs Boulevard in Tampa. The rescue took place just hours before Hurricane Milton made landfall in the region.
A video of the incident, shared on X on October 9 shows the frightened pup partly covered by water growling and barking at the trooper as he approaches. The trooper can also be heard reassuring the dog, saying, “It’s okay, buddy. I don’t blame you.”
“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,” the video caption reads.
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… pic.twitter.com/8cZJOfkJL2
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) October 9, 2024
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, however, later provided an update on the dog’s condition, stating that the rescued canine is safe and receiving care. Troopers brought the dog to a veterinarian for a thorough examination, and thankfully, the dog was found to be healthy and unharmed.
“The dog rescued by@FHPTampa is safe and receiving care,” the agency shared on social media. “Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health.”
Online users have flooded social media with praise for the brave troopers who rescued the dog. Many expressed their admiration for the troopers’ dedication and risk-taking in ensuring the animal’s safety.
However, the owner’s actions have faced widespread condemnation. Several internet users have criticized the owner for their irresponsible behavior, calling it “cruel” and “heartbreaking” to leave a pet tied up during such a dangerous storm.
“Thanks for your work on this,” one user wrote. “Now find the perpetrator and arrest them.”
Another user shared, “I hope that owner never owns another pet. What a shitty human being to tie up an animal during a hurricane. At least let it run loose to find safety.”
Update: The dog rescued by @FHPTampa is safe and receiving care. Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health. pic.twitter.com/cut1jv7cBe
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) October 9, 2024
On Sunday the Florida Division of Emergency Management urged residents to include their pets in their disaster preparedness plans, emphasizing the importance of evacuating with animals and having a designated safe place for them.
“If you are a pet owner or have larger animals (i.e. livestock) it is important that you also consider their needs when developing your disaster plan,” a statement on their website reads.
“If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS OR ANIMALS BEHIND. It is unlikely for pets or larger animals to survive on their own. If by some chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return. Prepare now and protect your family and pets before the next disaster strikes.”
Numerous shelters across the country are actively responding to this call by offering complimentary veterinary exams to evacuated pets. One such shelter, Angel of Assisi, a shelter in Virginia is offering a sweet little dog named Arrow a check-up at the shelter after being evacuated from the hurricane-stricken area in North Carolina.
“Sweet little Arrow evacuated from the hurricane area in NC with his owner, and got a complimentary exam with Dr. Page and Sarah,” Angel of Assisi shared in a social media post.
“He’s in good shape, and we wish his owner safe travels as she heads home to see what, if anything, can be salvaged. Our hearts are with all those in harm’s way, and plans are in the works to send some relief to North Carolina.”
