Sep 11, 2008 7:20 pm US/Eastern
Firecracker's Spark Keeps Shining
HIALEAH GARDENS (CBS4) ―
Some are calling it a heartless act, an example of cruelty under dire circumstances: A pony named Firecracker was abandoned in the wilderness south of Florida City as Hurricane Ike approached. A half dozen alligators were about to attack him when a wildlife officer arrived and saved his life.
"To quote my wife, it's like leaving a child out there. It really hits home," said wildlife officer Erik Steinmetz.
Firecracker is safe now, protected by the SPCA on its farm, but the story was different over the weekend. That's when thousands had evacuated the keys prior to the arrival of Hurricane Ike. It was about 8:30 p.m. Sunday when Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Officer Erik Steinmetz was on patrol, some 10 miles south of Florida City and eight miles west of US1. He spotted Firecracker surrounded by a half dozen alligators.
"Very amazed to see the pony that far away from civilization," Steinmetz said. "In my 28 years of experience I can say that those alligators were going to have him for dinner."
"The animal was abandoned and left to die."
Steinmetz felt awful.
"The first thing I wanted to do is to pick him up and put him in my truck and bring him to my children, so they could take care of him."
"I felt very badly about the animal being out there."
Steinmetz was able to lead firecracker back to US1 and the SPCA was called.
'It's the irresponsibility of this that's a concern," said Jeannette Jordan, President of the SPCA. "These are living, breathing animals that should be treasured."
Steinmetz says owners should never abandon their pets.
"Make better choices, think about what you're doing, contact our agency," said Steinmetz. "We will find somebody."
"I'm hoping that someone will adopt him…he'll make a great pet for somebody."
Firecracker is in good condition and apparently good spirits as well. His owner could face animal cruelty charges. To adopt him contact the SPCA at 305-825-8826 , or helpthehorses.com. There is an adoption fee for Firecracker.
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