Police in Florida rescued a dog tied to a pole and left in a large puddle on a rainy Wednesday morning as Hurricane Milton barreled toward the state.
Body camera footage posted to X by the agency's Tampa account shows an officer walking toward the dog along a field along Interstate 75 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
“It's okay, buddy. It's okay,” the officer is heard saying as he approaches the dog. The dog was standing in what looked like a large puddle covering his feet.
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Florida Highway Patrol troopers on Wednesday rescued a dog that was stranded near a highway and tied to a pole. (Florida Highway Patrol)
The dog began growling as the police approached.
“I don't blame you. I don't blame you,” the officer said. “It's okay, buddy.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis saw the video and reacted online.
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A dog was found in a large puddle in Florida on Wednesday. (Florida Highway Patrol)
“Leaving a dog tied to a pole while a storm approaches is cruel to anyone,” he wrote in X. “The state of Florida will hold those who abuse pets accountable.”
A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles told Fox News Digital that the dog was taken to a veterinarian and was in good health.
A spokesperson said: “He is being treated and is safe.”
Florida Highway Patrol vehicle. (Florida Highway Patrol)
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The agency was not aware of other animals left to fend for themselves during the storm. FHP is conducting patrols looking for vulnerable people and animals that may have been left behind, officials said.
