As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis takes a stand against pet abandonment, promising strict penalties for those who leave their animals behind. As Floridians waited for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, a Florida highway patrol officer rescued a dog tied to a gate. The dog sat in a flooded area as the water continued to rise. Ron DeSantis during a hurricane update stated the owner of the dog will be jailed if found.
DeSantis Takes Firm Stance on Pet Safety Amid Hurricane Threat
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast with potentially devastating force, Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a strong stance on an often-overlooked aspect of hurricane preparedness: pet safety. In a recent announcement, the governor promised to implement stricter penalties for residents who abandon their dogs during such emergencies, highlighting the intersection of animal welfare and disaster response.
DeSantis’s declaration comes in the wake of a disturbing incident where a dog was found tied to a pole on Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton approached. This event sparked outrage and prompted the governor to address the issue directly, emphasizing the need for responsible pet ownership during natural disasters.
“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,” DeSantis said.
Comprehensive State Preparations for Hurricane Milton
The governor’s focus on pet safety is part of a larger, comprehensive approach to hurricane preparedness. DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, activating a wide range of state resources to protect Floridians and their property. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has elevated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1, the highest level of activation.
Over 1,250 missions are currently underway to assist counties, including resource staging and infrastructure protection. The Florida National Guard has activated approximately 5,000 service members and prepared 11 aircraft for post-storm support. Additionally, the Florida State Guard is mobilizing units for search and rescue, route clearance, and supply distribution.
“This could be the worst storm to hit Florida in over a century,” Biden said. “And God willing it won’t be, but that’s what it’s looking like right now.”
Mass Evacuations and Public Safety Measures
The severity of Hurricane Milton has prompted massive evacuation efforts. Approximately 5.9 million Floridians are under mandatory evacuation orders, including over 3.3 million in the Tampa area alone. This large-scale movement has led to congested highways and fuel shortages at gas stations, underscoring the logistical challenges of protecting such a large population.
Thank you, @FHPTampa.
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. https://t.co/19axr8CLf0
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 9, 2024
Various state agencies are working in tandem to ensure public safety. The Florida Department of Transportation has suspended tolls and implemented Emergency Shoulder Use to facilitate evacuations. The Florida Department of Health has deployed emergency response vehicles and is supporting special needs shelters, while the Agency for Health Care Administration is assisting healthcare providers with patient transfers and resource needs.
A Call for Responsible Pet Ownership
As the state braces for Hurricane Milton’s impact, DeSantis’s emphasis on pet safety serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, especially during emergencies. The Red Cross advises pet owners to prepare for hurricane season by updating pet identification, microchipping, and preparing emergency kits that include supplies for their animals.
“What kind of an animal would just leave a dog chained to a pole in the middle of a hurricane? I mean, it’s just unbelievable…” DeSantis asked.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Floridians are urged to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. The governor’s strong stance on pet abandonment during hurricanes sends a clear message: in times of crisis, we must look out for all members of our community, including our four-legged companions.
