Category: Hurricane Milton updates

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Owner Of Dog Found Chained To A Fence During Hurricane Milton, Found And Arrested

The owner of the dog found chained to a fence before Hurricane Milton’s landfall has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty, State Attorney Suzy Lopez announced on Tuesday, October 15.

The former owner of the dog, identified by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) as 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin, Florida, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

In a press release shared by State Attorney Suzy Lopez, the former owner told investigators that he was driving to Georgia to escape the hurricane but left his dog, “Jumbo”, on the side of the road “because he couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.”

The press release also reveals the identity of the Trooper who saved the dog, Trooper Orlando Morales, who is, coincidentally, a dog lover and a dog dad to a rescue dog himself.

“Trooper Orlando Morales got a tip from a driver about the animal on the side of the road and diligently searched until he saw the dog tied up,” the press release read.

“Trooper Morales found the dog as water was rising to the animal’s neck and Hurricane Milton was bearing down on Tampa.”

The rescued dog, a Bull Terrier, is now named ‘Trooper’, “because of how much he’s been through and to honor those who saved him” and is currently in the care of the Leon County Humane Society.

“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said.

She also reveals that the former owner could face up to five years in prison for abandoning Trooper. But State Attorney Suzy Lopez believes that the sentence is not enough and calls for harsher penalties for people who abandon their pets.

She explains, “Hopefully, lawmakers take a look at this case and discuss changing the law to allow for harsher penalties for people who abandon their animals during a state of emergency.”

Meanwhile, inquiries to adopt Trooper have been pouring, the Leon County Humane Society reveals.

However, he is not ready for adoption yet and the animal shelter urged everyone to instead look at other dogs that deserve the same attention and care and are ready for a forever home.

“We stress that there are thousands of dogs who deserve this same level of attention, care, and advocacy, and hope that Trooper’s situation inspires a kinder future for all dogs,” the animal shelter wrote.

“Please visit your local shelters and support your local rescues. There could be a dog right up the road who needs you, and Trooper is more than willing to take credit for bringing you together.”

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‘Dog’s Eyes Says It All’: Photo Of A Dog Rescued By Florida Firefighters After Hurricane Milton Goes Viral

In the face of calamity, people are finding hope and comfort in a photo of a dog gazing at the man who just rescued him from Hurricane Milton’s floods.

On October 11, the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue in Florida on Facebook shared the news that they have rescued over 100 pets so far, “ensuring that no one—human or animal—is left behind.”

The firefighters’ continued efforts and dedication is truly commendable. However, a photo uploaded with the news of the ongoing rescue operations has caught the attention of many.

The photo, which has now garnered 2,000 likes alone, shows a Bernese Mountain Dog, rescued from the floods, gazing at the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Captain, Captain Dusty Mascaro.

While dogs do not speak the same language as we do, they always make sure that they are able to relay their messages in some other way they know we’ll absolutely understand.

“Check out this beautiful moment of pure gratitude and love!” The Fire Department wrote. “This dog’s eyes say it all as he looks at Cpt. Dusty Mascaro from our HCFR TSAR team after being brought to safety.”

People were touched at the photo and how beautiful the moment was to come out of such a disaster.

One user left a comment on the photo saying, “This is the proof of gratitude for saving the dog’s life! It should be made into a poster and framed. I think it’s a prize winning image.”

Another wrote, “This picture makes me so happy and just shows that animals are very appreciative and are so unconditional when it comes to love.”

“The look on the dog, priceless,” another user wrote.

The Fire Department also expressed their gratitude to their community, saying, “We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve and protect all members of our community, big and small.”

“Thank you to everyone who has supported these efforts! Together, we will get through this and rebuild.”

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‘Do NOT Do This To Your Pets Please’: Dog Chained To A Fence Gets Rescued Hours Before Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall

Even before Hurricane Milton could make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, October 09, an incident is already breaking the hearts of many after Florida Highway Patrol’s post on X (previously Twitter).

“Do NOT do this to your pets please…” FHP Tampa wrote in their post on Wednesday morning, along with a video of an abandoned dog tied to a pole on I-75 in a pool of floodwater.

FHP Tampa reveals, “FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning.”

The video shows an unidentified Florida Highway Trooper walking towards a grassy area where the dog is seen tied to a pole.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” the Trooper kept telling the dog. However, the dog, visibly scared and confused, kept on growling and barking at the Trooper.

The Trooper kept on consoling the dog saying, “I don’t blame you. It’s okay, buddy. Its okay.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis thanked FHP Tampa for rescuing the dog and responded to the incident saying, “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.”

Thankfully, after a few hours of the video being posted, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provided an update on the dog saying, “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,” FLHSMV added.

People online were outraged and heartbroken for the poor dog. A lot of the users are hoping that the owners will be found, and rightfully arrested.

One user wrote, “I hope that dog is chipped, and they find the owner and charge them with Animal abuse. That is horrible, we are literally getting hit by a hurricane in hours.”

“I hope that owner never owns another pet. What a sh**ty human being to tie up an animal during a hurricane. At least let it run loose to find safety,” another wrote.

Another user also wrote, “People who harm children and pets are the lowest in society and need to be dealt with accordingly.”

FHP Tampa tells Fox News that while they are not aware of other animals abandoned in the storm, they are conducting patrols and looking for any vulnerable people and animals that may have been left.