Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the owner of an abandoned dog, named “Trooper,” who was found during Hurricane Milton, has been identified and will face prosecution for aggravated animal cruelty. Trooper was discovered by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper tied to a fence and standing in water along Interstate 75. Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez appeared with DeSantis to announce that charges would be pursued against the owner, who could face up to five years in prison for the third-degree felony. The owner’s abandonment of Trooper, in the midst of a state of emergency during Hurricane Milton, has sparked outrage and heartbreak on social media.
During Hurricane Milton, hundreds of thousands of Floridians evacuated their homes to escape the devastation caused by the storm and the subsequent tornadoes that affected the state. Unfortunately, Trooper was left behind by his owner, who did not include him in the evacuation plans. Trooper’s rescue, captured on video and shared online, has garnered widespread attention and sympathy. DeSantis expressed his disapproval of the owner’s actions, calling them “totally unacceptable,” and vowed to hold the owner accountable for their neglect and cruelty towards the abandoned dog.
At the press conference, State Attorney Suzy Lopez affirmed her commitment to pursuing justice for Trooper and other vulnerable animals in Hillsborough County. She emphasized the seriousness of animal cruelty and the importance of protecting those who cannot speak for themselves, including animals. Lopez stated that individuals who commit crimes during states of emergency would face severe consequences, and vowed to enforce the law to the fullest extent to ensure justice for Trooper and other victims of animal cruelty.
Trooper, believed to be a Bull terrier, is currently under the care of the Leon County Humane Society. The organization is providing support and care for Trooper as he awaits adoption into a loving and responsible home. The outpouring of support from the community and on social media has brought attention to the importance of caring for and protecting animals, especially during times of crisis and emergency. The case of Trooper serves as a reminder of the need to hold individuals accountable for their mistreatment of animals and to prioritize the well-being and safety of all living creatures.
The identification of the owner responsible for abandoning Trooper during Hurricane Milton highlights the consequences of negligent and cruel behavior towards animals. Governor DeSantis and State Attorney Lopez’s commitment to pursuing justice in this case reflects a broader effort to combat animal cruelty and protect vulnerable animals in the community. The public reaction to Trooper’s rescue and the subsequent legal action taken against his owner demonstrate the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions towards animals and advocating for their rights and welfare.
As the case of Trooper continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of animals in the face of adversity, as well as the importance of compassion and responsibility towards them. The community’s support for Trooper and the actions taken by Governor DeSantis and State Attorney Lopez to seek justice for the abandoned dog reflect a collective commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of animals. Through this case, awareness is raised about the consequences of animal cruelty and the need for accountability and justice in cases of neglect and mistreatment towards animals.
