Ron DeSantis Issues a Warning Following Viral Milton Video: Florida Will Hold You 'Accountable'

One potential victim of Hurricane Milton was rescued on Wednesday, even before the massive storm made landfall in Florida.

While patrolling near Tampa, Florida troopers saved a dog that had been left tied to a post, standing in water almost reaching its stomach.

"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," the Florida Highway Patrol shared on X.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded with both commendation and a stern message.

"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," DeSantis posted on X.

Later, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provided an update via X.

"The dog rescued by @FHPTampa is safe and receiving care. Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health," the department posted.

The situation sparked outrage online, with users expressing their anger and offering to adopt the dog.

"Thanks for your work on this. Now find the perpetrator and arrest them," one user posted on X.

"I will never understand how anyone could leave their dogs out like this, just evil, and they don’t deserve dogs! He is sure to find a new loving home now because of you guys! Thank you for helping this cute buddy!" another user commented.

“Tie his owners to a fence and leave them behind... people can be so cruel. Happy to see it rescued,” one especially outraged commenter wrote on X.

"I hope the dog was chipped/tagged and the former owners get a visit from you right after the storm," another user posted.

Hurricane Milton, initially a Category 5 storm as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico, was expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday as a Category 3 storm, according to WWSB-TV.

The hurricane was likely to strike Florida’s west coast between Venice and Tampa, with effects felt up to 30 miles from its center.