Florida state trooper saves dog left tied to a pole as hurricane approaches

Florida highway patrol troopers have rescued a dog left on an interstate highway I-75 earlier in the day as Hurricane Milton approached.

Video shows the moment the trooper pulls their car over, walking to where the dog was abandoned on the side of the road.

"It's ok buddy," the officer can be heard saying while walking toward the small white dog.

READ MORE: Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida

The dog, which appears to be a bull terrier, can be seen standing half-submerged in brackish brown water.

The dog barks at the officer, who says "I don't blame you".

READ MORE: Florida man living on boat explains why he's choosing to ride out hurricane

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In a message posted to X, the highway patrol unit begged residents not to leave their pets alone in the face of the storm.

"Do not do this to your pets please," they said.

"It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said on X.

"Florida will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable."

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 storm with 193km/hr sustained winds and higher gusts, according to the National Hurricane Centre.