TAMPA, Fla. – As Hurricane Milton was just hours away from slamming into Florida last week, Florida Highway Patrol troopers made a heartbreaking discovery on the side of the highway.
While driving along Interstate 75 near Bruce B Downs Boulevard in the Tampa area, troopers found a lonely dog tethered to a fence and up to his chest in a puddle of water.
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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
A video of the discovery posted on X has been viewed nearly 12 million times.
“It’s OK, it’s OK,” an unidentified state trooper said as he walked toward the growling dog. “I don’t blame you.”
The dog was rescued, taken in by the Leon County Humane Society and given a new, fitting name: “Trooper.”
On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the owner of the dog has been identified and is now facing animal cruelty charges.
“We said at the time, you don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm. Totally unacceptable, and we’re going to hold you accountable. Well, I’m proud to announce that the authorities have identified the dog’s former owners, and State Attorney Susie Lopez is now pursuing animal cruelty charges against the individuals,” DeSantis said.
The Leon County Humane Society on Monday posted a photo of a smiling Trooper and said there have been hundreds of inquiries by people looking to adopt him. The humane society also used the moment to remind people that Trooper is not the only dog in need of a home at the shelter.
