People Furious After Watching Footage Of Dog Abandoned During Hurricane Milton

The warning was, "Don’t risk your pets’ safety by tying them up during Hurricane Milton’s fury."

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• October 12, 2024

Leaving pets behind during bad weather, like hurricanes, is a severe problem that shows how important it is for owners to care for their animals. When disasters happen, animals can end up in dangerous situations, but they should never be abandoned.

A recent story from Florida received considerable attention and led to calls for stronger punishments for people who leave their pets in harm’s way. In early October, the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a call about a dog lying tied to a fence by the I-75 highway just as Hurricane Milton was about to hit.

A video of the event, which went viral online, showed an officer approaching the dog carefully. The poor dog was standing in deep water that almost reached the tops of its legs.

Although the officer tried to calm the scared animal, the dog barked and growled out of fear. The officer, understanding the dog's reaction, spoke kindly to it and continued to approach slowly.

The video was shared by Florida Highway Patrol Tampa on Twitter, along with a reminder to the public not to leave pets behind, especially in dangerous weather. Soon after, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles confirmed that the dog was safely rescued and taken to a vet for a check-up.

The good news was that the dog was healthy, and officers ensured it was cared for and safe. The video caused a big online reaction, with many angry at the dog’s owner.

Some users were demanding that the owner be punished for abandoning the dog. One person wrote, "The owner should face legal action." Others said anyone who mistreats animals should be held accountable and face consequences.

"Florida Highway Patrol rescues dog tied to a fence in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton."

At the same time, people were praising the officers for stepping in to help the dog. Many left positive comments thanking the Florida Highway Patrol for saving the animal.

"Thank you for rescuing him," one user wrote, while others criticized the heartlessness of anyone who could leave a pet behind in such a dangerous situation. The officers were recognized for their quick response, and it was clear the dog was lucky to have been found in time.

Hurricane Milton has caused significant damage in various areas of Florida.

Some reports also suggested that the dog had been claimed by its owner, but the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles made it clear that these reports were wrong. The dog remained safe in their care and wasn’t returned to the person who abandoned it.

The dog's future is still uncertain, but the public pushes the owner to be held responsible for their actions.

The abandoned dog was rescued and is now safe and healthy.

This rescue highlights pet owners' crucial responsibility to care for their animals, especially during challenging situations like hurricanes. Abandoning a pet raises ethical concerns and can result in legal consequences.

Many recognize that animals rely on their owners for safety, particularly in dangerous times. Pets must always receive love, protection, and care, reinforcing the bond between pets and their owners.

Damjan