A dog named Cooper was found hiding beneath a wheelchair ramp in Auburndale, Florida, with duct tape wrapped around his muzzle. The woman who found him said he appeared to be hyperventilating. She and her son cut the tape away, and Cooper was able to breathe normally again, according to FOX 35 Orlando.

The photo of Cooper was posted online. Polk County deputies saw it, began investigating, and traced Cooper to 57-year-old Tammy Roosa.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that Roosa admitted Cooper was hers and said she taped his muzzle shut the night before because she claimed he tried to bite her.

Investigators said she showed no remorse.

Cooper was found under a wheelchair ramp with duct tape wrapped around his muzzle.

Cooper’s Injuries Pointed To More Than One Act Of Cruelty

Cooper was taken to Polk County Animal Control, where a veterinarian found scarring from the duct tape. He was also malnourished. Marks around his neck indicated he may have been tied up for an extended period, according to the sheriff’s office.

Cooper survived, but his case shows how dangerous muzzle binding can be. When an animal’s mouth is sealed or restrained, that animal may not be able to breathe normally, drink, eat, pant, or call for help. Panic and injury can follow quickly.

This is not a minor act of discipline. It is a direct threat to an animal’s airway and survival.

Polk County Sheriff's Office

A stranger cut the tape from Cooper’s mouth after noticing he appeared to be hyperventilating.

Deputies Found More Animals In Unsafe Conditions

Cooper was not the only animal in danger.

After Roosa was arrested, deputies entered her RV to retrieve her purse. Inside, they reported garbage, roaches, and a strong odor of urine and feces. They also found seven cats, three fish, two lovebirds, two finches, and a duck, all of whom were removed for care.

KFOX14 reported that Polk County Fire Rescue measured ammonia levels inside the RV at 100 parts per million. Authorities described that level as extreme and tied it to risks such as chronic respiratory problems and eye irritation.

Outside the RV, authorities reported leaking septic pipes, raw sewage, trash, decaying material, waist-high grass, flies, and mosquitoes. The National Desk reported that Roosa faced multiple criminal charges, including aggravated animal cruelty and animal neglect.

Florida lawmakers can act to protect animals from having their mouths or airways bound shut.

Florida Must Make Muzzle Binding Abuse A Felony

Cooper is expected to recover. So are the other animals removed from the property. That is a relief, but it is not enough.

Florida lawmakers should pass Cooper’s Law, making it an explicit felony to use tape, wire, rope, zip ties, or any binding material to restrain an animal’s muzzle, jaw, or airway. Anyone convicted of this offense should be permanently banned from owning or residing with animals.

Clear laws matter. They help law enforcement act, guide prosecutors, and warn abusers that this cruelty carries serious consequences.

Cooper should never have been left fighting to breathe. No animal should. Florida can honor his survival with a law that protects others before they suffer the same abuse.

Click below to make a difference.