Florida governor blasts 'cruel' pet owner after police find distressed dog tied to fence ahead of deadly hurricane

10 October 2024, 06:59 | Updated: 10 October 2024, 08:43

Footage has emerged showing an abandoned dog torso-deep in flood water after it's owner tied it to a fence post beside a Florida highway as they fled Hurricane Milton.

The heartbreaking footage was shot by officers from the Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa ahead of the deadly hurricane making landfall on Wednesday evening.

The dog, which is believed to be a bull terrier, can be seen looking distressed as and tied to a chicken-wire fence near Interstate 75.

The dog is seen to be partially submerged in flood water, as the patrol officer wades through flooded grassland beside the interstate to rescue the pooch.

The video shared by Florida Highway Patrol has seen widespread condemnation of the owners from social media users - including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

More than 2 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida

"What kind of person would do this?" said DeSantis during a press conference on Wednesday night, after asked about the viral footage by a journalist.

"That person should have a book thrown at them," said the Governor.

Read more: Hurricane Milton makes landfall as winds of 120mph slam into coast and Tampa hit by flash flooding

Read more: Florida residents refusing to flee hurricane Milton told to write their names in permanent ink on their arm

Taking to X following the press conference, DeSantis congratulated state troopers, writing in response: "Thank you Florida Highway Patrol"

"It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm. FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable."

“FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning,” wrote the Highway Patrol on X as they shared the footage of the distressed dog.

Urging the public not to abandon animals despite widespread panic, they wrote: “Do NOT do this to your pets please.”

Nick Ferrari and guests on Hurricane Milton

It comes as Hurricane Milton was downgraded to a Category 1 storm as it forged a path through Florida.

The storm, initially a Category 3 after making landfall, has knocked out power for some 2 million Floridians.

Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, at around 8.30pm local time (1.30am UK time), with maximum sustained winds of 120mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The latest data suggests 100,000 people have been displaced and are currently in shelters across the state.