Two dogs were found tied to a dumpster at a northbound Interstate 75 rest area in Sumter County on Wednesday evening, according to troopers, who shared the discovery with a blunt message to the public: “Do Better.” The animals were left unattended, and officials offered few other details while asking for help identifying whoever left them behind.
In a post on the Florida Highway Patrol Instagram account, troopers said the dogs were discovered at the northbound Sumter County Rest Area and included a photo showing the pair. The post wrapped with “And remember #DoBetter” and urged anyone with information to contact investigators. Authorities did not say whether either dog required medical treatment.
Troopers are specifically asking anyone who remembers seeing a white woman in a red van at the rest area with the dogs to call *347, as reported by ClickOrlando. The outlet noted that as of Wednesday night, no arrests had been made and no additional information had been released.
Where this happened
The northbound I-75 rest area in Sumter County is located near mile markers 307–308, serving drivers traveling between the Tampa and Orlando metro areas. The Florida Department of Transportation has rebuilt rest facilities in the area in recent years and highlights amenities such as a dog-walk area and 24-hour services, which makes finding dogs tied to a dumpster there all the more jarring. For background on the facility work, see FDOT.
Legal consequences
Florida law allows for criminal penalties when animals are abandoned or treated cruelly. Chapter 828 of the Florida Statutes defines abandonment and cruelty, with possible charges ranging from misdemeanors to third-degree felonies depending on what happened and whether the animal was harmed. Investigators typically look to those statutes and consult local animal control when deciding potential charges. See Chapter 828 via the Florida Senate for details.
Troopers say the investigation is ongoing and again urged anyone who saw a white female in a red van at the northbound Sumter County rest area to call *347 and share what they observed. No further details had been released as of Wednesday night, according to ClickOrlando, while the Florida Highway Patrol post lays out the agency’s public appeal.
