Credit: Screengrab via Florida Highway Patrol

While Hurricane Milton barrels toward Tampa Bay, an abandoned dog was rescued in Tampa this morning, after its owners presumably left the animal to die alongside the road.

At 11:30 a.m., the Florida Highway Patrol shared a video to social media showing a trooper approaching a white dog , left alone, tied to a pole alongside Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in the New Tampa area.

“FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd. this morning.” wrote the agency. “Do NOT do this to your pets please…”

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

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to the video, 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. “

As a reminder, you should not leave your pet behind when evacuating from a hurricane, and you should most definitely not tie it up outside.

If you choose not to evacuate, keep all animals indoors with you. If you need to evacuate, quite a few shelters around Tampa Bay allow pets. But act now, time is running out.

Remember to bring a leash, collar, a crate, toys/blanket, a photo of yourself and the pet, and an ample supply of food and medications for your animals. For more details on Hillsborough County pet-friendly shelters, where this dog was found, visit hcfl.gov.

As of the latest update, the Tampa Bay region is still well within the path of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane (a category 3 or 4) at around midnight.