Florida Highway Patrol troopers made headlines this week after rescuing a distressed dog tied to a pole in Tampa just before Hurricane Milton hit the area with fierce intensity.
In a poignant video shared on social media, an FHP trooper comforts the black and white pup who was standing in water up to its chest, clearly frightened and barking. As the trooper assures, “It’s okay, buddy. I don’t blame you,” the situation pulls at the heartstrings of many.
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Sharing the moment, FHP urged pet owners not to leave their animals behind during disasters. They emphasized that pets should always be included in disaster plans. The Florida Division of Emergency Management echoed this sentiment, reminding residents to develop a plan that prioritizes their pets’ safety.
“If you evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND,” they warned, noting the dangers of leaving animals to fend for themselves during storms.
Officials recommend preparing a safe space for pets and assembling a portable disaster kit with essentials like leashes and medications. This message comes after numerous instances of pets being abandoned as people evacuate, prompting organizations like the Humane Society to step in for rescue operations during major storms.
As Hurricane Milton, now categorized as a Category 4 storm, prepares to impact the area, the scene in Tampa serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster readiness. The National Hurricane Center has described Milton’s potential impact as “catastrophic.”
The Tampa community is still feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 26. In light of these experiences, local officials are taking additional precautions to safeguard both families and their pets. “We have to see what’s best for the animals,” said Burns, a local animal manager.
Burns emphasized the need for minimal stress during these emergencies, stating that they continually monitor animal behavior. Similarly, zoo animals are trained for emergency situations, practicing plans like kids do during fire drills. “We teach them that if they follow the plan, everything will be okay,” Davis explained. “It may take some animals longer to grasp, but they get the hang of it.”