The bull terrier barked when the police officers approached, with one responding 'I don't blame you' (Image: @FHPTampa/X)

Hurricane Milton: Cops rescue terrified dog left tied to pole by cruel owner

Hurricane Milton is a Category 5 storm and could become the most powerful hurricane to hit the US state, with winds of 175mph, but some have made the heartbreaking decision to abandon their pets

by · Daily Record

Millions of Florida residents have evacuated their homes in the face of Category 5 Hurricane Milton, dubbed the "storm of the century". Despite stern warnings that anyone remaining in the path of the 175mph storm "will die", some have chosen to stay put and brave the storm.

Many evacuees have left behind all their possessions and homes, aware they may never return. However, a disturbing social media video shared by Florida police shows one resident making a desperate decision as the record-breaking storm approaches the state's west coast - they abandoned their dog, tying it to a fence post.

Quick-thinking police officers spotted the distressed dog tied near a highway and decided to rescue it, despite the intensifying winds. The dog, which appears to be a bull terrier, can be seen trembling in a large puddle as the compassionate officers approach.

READ MORE: Man suffered third degree burns when vape exploded 'like a firework' in his pocket

In an attempt not to further frighten the animal, the officers slowly approached the dog, cruelly tied about 10 metres from the main road, reports the Mirror.

Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on the I-75 in Florida (Image: @FHPTampa/X)

One officer reassures the terrified bull terrier, saying "it's ok buddy, it's ok, it's ok," before adding "I don't blame you" when the pitiful dog barks at him.

The state troopers shared the shocking rescue on X, stating: "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."

Appalled by the video, people expressed their horror at the thought of abandoning their own dogs in such a manner, with one stunned viewer commenting: "Perhaps we find the owner and the troopers can tie them to the pole and leave them? Just a suggestion."

A bull terrier was abandoned and tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton beared down on Florida with 175mph winds (Image: @FHPTampa/X)

As Hurricane Milton intensifies into a formidable 175mph Category 5 storm, fuelled by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it's set to hit the densely populated Tampa Bay area before tracking west across Florida's central region. It is anticipated to downgrade to a Category 3 hurricane, carrying winds of 130mph.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.