The Florida Freeway Patrol rescued a canine deserted by its homeowners hours earlier than Hurricane Milton made landfall on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Florida Freeway Patrol—Tampa posted a video to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday round 11:23 a.m. ET, stating that the company discovered a canine tied to a pole on I-75 close to Bruce B Downs Blvd. “Do NOT do that to your pets, please…” the FHP captioned the put up.
Within the video, an officer walked towards a canine, who was tied to a fence and standing in a deep puddle that reached the animal’s abdomen. Because the officer approached, the canine backed away and growled. “It’s okay, bud. It’s okay. It’s okay,” the officer mentioned.
The visibly confused canine started barking because the officer mentioned, “I don’t blame you. It’s okay, buddy. It’s okay.”
Florida Freeway Patrol Tampa/X
About quarter-hour later, the Florida Division of Freeway Security and Motor Automobiles (FLHSMV) confirmed in a post that the canine had been rescued and was of their care. The canine stayed within the backseat of a automotive on high of a number of blankets, its disposition seemingly modified by then.
“The canine rescued by @FHPTampa is protected and receiving care. Troopers introduced him to a vet, the place he was examined for accidents and obtained a clear invoice of well being,” learn the second put up.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reshared the initial post of the canine together with his personal message.
“Thanks, @FHPTampa. It’s merciless for anybody to go away a canine tied to a put up in the course of an oncoming storm. FL will maintain anybody who mistreats pets accountable,” DeSantis wrote.
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Pet homeowners dealing with hurricanes shouldn’t neglect to convey their animals with them when evacuating. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Tampa Bay issued tips about hold their pets protected amid pure disasters.
Pet homeowners ought to make sure that their pets have identification, have an emergency equipment and that the house is ready for the animal. The equipment ought to embody meals and water for at the very least every week, any vital drugs, medical and vaccine information, a sturdy service or crate, bedding, litter, cleansing provides, and a present picture of the animal.
Florida Freeway Patrol Tampa/X
Since FHP discovered the canine, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida. The Class 3 storm got here ashore round Siesta Key, Fla., at round 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, based on the National Hurricane Center.
It’s the fifth hurricane to make landfall within the U.S. this yr and introduced most sustained wind speeds of 120 mph.
