Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday that State Attorney Suzy Lopez of the Hillsborough County area is pursuing animal cruelty charges against the owner of the dog found tied to a pole along the interstate before Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
The dog’s name is Trooper, and will go up for adoption.
“You don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm. Unacceptable, and we’re gonna hold you accountable,” DeSantis said.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director Dave Kerner added that the owner went to jail.
“[We are] now pursuing animal cruelty charges against the individual,” he said.
Lopez, at the press conference, said she was abhorred when she learned of Florida Highway Patrol troopers in her district having to rescue the dog because of the owner’s actions.
Lopez was appointed to her position in 2023 and is up for election this November against Democrat Andrew Warren.