Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) vowed to hold accountable any pet owners who tied up their animals outside ahead of Hurricane Milton.
DeSantis responded Wednesday to a viral video posted on X that showed the Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa helping rescue a scared dog standing in a pool of water while tied up to a fence on an interstate.
“It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm,” DeSantis said on X in a message that shared the video. “FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable.”
Thank you, @FHPTampa.
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. https://t.co/19axr8CLf0
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 9, 2024
The video shows a police officer walking up to a scared dog, who is whimpering and somewhat growling in fear, as he can’t get away from the fence he is chained to.
In 2023, DeSantis made agreements with hotel and lodging associations to urge Florida hotels to accept pets so that residents do not have to choose to leave them behind in life-threatening hurricanes.
The Florida governor has been a longtime advocate of shelter pets and recently adopted a shelter dog in April for his family.
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The Humane Society urged Florida residents to have a “pet plan” in their hurricane preparedness plans before the storm.
“As residents solidify their preparedness and evacuation plans, we urge them to remember this: if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets,” the organization said.