With Hurricane Milton approaching, Governor Ron DeSantis is taking decisive action to strengthen animal welfare protections. Especially for dogs left vulnerable in storm conditions. The state of emergency declared across 51 counties occurred. The Florida Division Emergency Management is fully operational at level one.
Preparedness for Hurricane Milton
Updates regarding the state’s Hurricane Milton preparations have been released by Governor Ron DeSantis. There have been warnings and watches issued in many counties as the hurricane is predicted to make landfall on Florida’s west coast. To highlight the severity of the impending storm, a state of emergency has been proclaimed in 51 counties.
There are about 5,000 active members of the Florida National Guard, and 11 planes are prepared to provide post-storm assistance. In order to support counties with resource staging and infrastructure protection, more than 1,250 missions have been launched. At Tropicana Field, a base camp housing 10,000 people is also being built for responders and debris operations.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is prepositioning aviation assets and coordinating law enforcement missions. The state is leaving no stone unturned in terms of preparation, as Governor DeSantis and state officials are consolidating efforts to safeguard residents and property.
DeSantis scolds ‘cruel’ pet owners for leaving animals outside in hurricane https://t.co/lFd2LfHpZf
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 10, 2024
Animal Welfare Amidst the Storm
Governor DeSantis has announced rigorous penalties for those who leave dogs tied up during hurricanes. This stance comes as a moral imperative, ensuring no pet suffers from the negligence of their owners during the chaos of such natural disasters. Highlighting the urgency, a video circulated online of a dog tied up on I-75 during the hurricane, which has received widespread condemnation.
“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
Approximately 5.9 million Floridians have been ordered to evacuate, including over 3.3 million in the Tampa area. In view of these evacuations, animal welfare remains at the forefront of state priorities. To support this initiative, the Red Cross advises pet owners to ensure their pets are prepared by updating identification, microchipping, and having emergency kits ready.
Good to see Governor DeSantis speaking out against animal cruelty in the face of #HurricaneMilton @RonDeSantis @POTUS https://t.co/xlf9laJhpv pic.twitter.com/xCM7WcMWZ1
— dominic dyer (@domdyer70) October 10, 2024
Statewide Preparedness Initiatives
The Florida Department of Health has deployed emergency response vehicles and is supporting special needs shelters. The Agency for Health Care Administration is aiding healthcare providers with patient transfers and meeting resource needs. Various modes of transportation, including seaports and airports, are preparing for storm conditions to ensure the safety of all involved.
“This could be the worst storm to hit Florida in over a century,” Biden said. “And God willing it won’t be, but that’s what it’s looking like right now.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges boat owners to secure vessels, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the state’s preparations. Residents are advised to brace for life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts as Hurricane Milton approaches.
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