Heartbreaking video of dog tied to pole during Hurricane Milton prompts major debate

The devastation of Hurricane Milton is already being felt in Florida after it made landfall yesterday as a category three storm, with severe flooding and winds of more than 100mph.

At least four deaths have been reported in St Lucie County on the coast, with Sheriff Keith Pearson telling WPEC: “This is like nothing other we’ve seen.”

With the threat to life very much real, in recent days many people had been told to leave their homes in search of safer ground, including a number of communities further inland.

But as people fled Hurricane Milton, there was one little fella who had tragically been left behind.

Posting a video of a dog tied to a pole on I-75, a major north-south interstate highway, Florida Highway Patrol urged pet owners not to follow suit.

“FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning,” the law enforcement agency said.

“Do NOT do this to your pets please…”

In the clip, water could already be seen rippling at the dog's belly as it barked out at officers.

The dog had been tied to a fence as waters rose around him (X/Florida Highway Patrol)

In an update, the official X account for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) confirmed the dog had been taken to a vet for medical care.

“The dog rescued by @FHPTampa is safe and receiving care,” FLHSMV said.

“Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health.”

Naturally, the dog’s ‘heartbreaking’ story struck a chord with animal lovers across the internet, with one commenting: “This is ridiculous. The owner needs to face legal consequences.”

Someone else fumed: “Absolutely heartbreaking and cruel that anyone would abandon their pet. Well done and thank you for rescuing them.”

A third wrote: “God bless you for saving this poor sweet dog. The trooper in the video should be commended for his kindness, compassion and understanding.

"I'm so happy that you cared enough to help this dog. I hope he finds the best home possible. This is how it's done.”

In an attempt to play devil’s advocate, a fourth added: “Their owners were just trying to survive. But I agreed the tied up is a no no.”

Thankfully, the dog is now 'safe' (X/Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)

Earlier this week, animal rights organisation PETA warned people that they should ‘never leave dogs tethered or penned outside’, saying they should ‘always take their animal companions with them if they have to evacuate their homes’.

“Every time there’s a natural disaster, many dogs and other companion animals are left outside to fend for themselves and even left behind when humans evacuate,” the organisation said.

“Dogs kept tethered will swim to exhaustion and drown - and there are tethered dogs everywhere.

“PETA’s Animal Rescue Team has witnessed firsthand the trauma that animals endure when left behind to face floodwaters and flying debris. During previous storms, we have found dogs dead.

“We have also found them up to their necks in water and unable to sit or lie down, in almost-submerged crates inside houses, and even flung around by high winds. And of course, animals are petrified in these types of weather conditions.”