The proprietor of a canine who was deserted as Hurricane Milton hit Florida will face prosecution for aggravated animal cruelty, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis mentioned Tuesday.
The pooch, a white bull terrier who has since been renamed “Trooper” by a short lived new household, was discovered tied to a fence with water as much as his abdomen on the aspect of I-75 in Tampa final week.
The canine’s plight garnered widespread consideration — and outrage. By Tuesday, state authorities mentioned they discovered who his proprietor was and mentioned they may carry fees. The proprietor was not instantly recognized.
“You don’t simply tie up a canine and have them on the market for a storm. Completely unacceptable, and we’re going to carry you accountable,” DeSantis mentioned at a information convention Tuesday.
The canine’s proprietor might resist 5 years in jail for the third-degree felony.
The fees might be introduced by Hillsborough County State Legal professional Suzy Lopez, who DeSantis appointed in July.
“We take animal cruelty very, very severely in Hillsborough County. We shield our most weak residents: aged, kids and our four-legged pals,” Lopez mentioned.
“You don’t get away with doing what this man did in Hillsborough County, not below my watch.”
Trooper was taken in by the Leon County Humane Society and stays at its foster dwelling in Tallahassee because the non-profit parses by means of his adoption functions.
Supply hyperlink