Proprietor of ‘Trooper,’ canine deserted amid Hurricane Milton, now faces felony animal cruelty

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday mentioned the proprietor of an deserted canine now often known as “Trooper,” who captured hearts throughout Hurricane Milton, was recognized and can face prosecution for aggravated animal cruelty.

The pooch was found by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper tied to a fence and as much as his stomach in standing water alongside the aspect of Interstate 75.

At a Tuesday press convention, Hillsborough County State Lawyer Suzy Lopez appeared with DeSantis to say she can be pursuing costs. How the proprietor was discovered wasn’t defined.

“Completely unacceptable, and we will maintain you accountable,” DeSantis mentioned. Trooper’s earlier proprietor might withstand 5 years in jail for the third-degree felony.

A whole bunch of 1000’s of Floridians fled their houses final week to flee Milton, which spawned a sequence of devastating tornadoes across the state. Trooper was not included in his proprietor’s evacuation plans, and his discovery – recorded on video and later posted on-line – brought on heartbreak and outrage on social media.

A ‘Trooper’: Florida dog rescued from Hurricane Milton on I-75 awaits adoption

Lopez backed DeSantis, saying those that commit sure crimes throughout a state of emergency can be punished to the “fullest extent of the legislation.”

“We take animal cruelty very, very significantly in Hillsborough County. We defend our most weak residents: aged, kids and our four-legged pals,” she mentioned. “You do not get away with doing what this man did in Hillsborough County, not below my watch.”

Trooper, which seems to be a Bull terrier, has been within the care of the Leon County Humane Society.

Kyla A. Sanford may be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com.

This text initially appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Owner of ‘Trooper,’ dog rescued amid Hurricane Milton, faces felony