Dog found abandoned in cage along I-275 in Tampa rescued and up for adoption

A dog is getting another chance at finding its fur-ever home after it was determined abandoned and alone on the side of the road near Tampa It was a shocking sight along I- in Tampa Wednesday morning where Florida Highway Patrol mentioned a driver spotted a small black dog in a cage on the shoulder of the highway on a day when temperatures soared He was under no shade and had no food or water with him mentioned Chelsea Waldeck Investigators believe the dog was the victim of a cruel crime but those dark day are long behind the four-legged animal as Good Samaritans have stepped in to give him several well deserved tender love and care The dog is now in the loving arms of staff at the Pet Asset Center in Hillsborough County as detectives search for the person who abandoned him He s been named Neiman after the trooper who rescued him Chelsea Waldeck is the division director at the Pet Stock Center and she s been overseeing his intake We did scan him for a microchip when he got here to which he does not have one he absolutely is adorable a very sweet little guy and we just can t quite understand why somebody would do this to him noted Waldeck This matter shares similarities with another incident last year Trooper s Law was inspired by a dog discovered tied up and abandoned on I- in October while evacuations were taking place to prepare for Hurricane Milton What it does is it causes harsher penalties for anyone who abandons a pet during a declared tragedy so we are not under a declared mishap right now but Neiman s event would fall under animal cruelty for being left in the conditions that he was in commented Waldeck Animal advocates want people to know there are options to help help people going through tough times or considering surrendering their pet Maybe we can help you rehome it we can look at other options or maybe we can provide you specific reserve to help you get back on your feet to be able keep your pet in your family reported Waldeck As for this pup Waldeck stated if Neiman s owner doesn t come forward to claim him he ll become adoptable by end of day Friday He s extremely resilient He s very happy to to be around people and get the love and attention that he definitely deserves Troopers mentioned the person who abandoned the dog will likely face charges FHP is asking anyone with information to come forward If you have any information on this crime call the Florida Highway Patrol at FHP