Dog owners left tied to a pole outside Milton to face animal cruelty charges

TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the owners of a dog that was rescued after it was tied to a pole in neck-deep water in the path of Hurricane Milton have been identified and will face animal cruelty charges.

During a Tuesday afternoon news conference, the governor announced he was joined by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, State’s Attorney Suzy Lopez and numerous other law enforcement agencies.

The owners of dogs left tied to a pole on a road in Milton will be charged with animal cruelty

When a Florida Highway Patrol trooper first rescued a dog, it immediately sparked shock and heartbreak on the Internet. The video shows the dog’s terror when the policeman tried to free it.

“Okay, buddy. I don’t blame you,” the soldier can be heard trying to reassure the animal that he is there to save it.

State’s Attorney Lopez said her office is currently prosecuting the dog’s owner on aggravated animal cruelty charges. The offenses committed are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Lost and Found Pets of Hillsborough County released an update on the male dog, estimated to be approximately 5 years old, confirming it was found in Tampa and taken to the Pet Resource Center for care.

DeSantis said the dog is currently in Tallahassee and will soon be adopted with a new name, Trooper, after the soldier who saved the dog just before the worst of Hurricane Milton.