A 23-year-old Florida man is now charged with aggravated animal cruelty for allegedly leaving his dog tied to a fence post in rising flood waters as Hurricane Milton barrelled toward the state.
The dog, since christened “Trooper,” was safely rescued by a Florida State Trooper along a Tampa interstate on Oct. 9 before the storm hit.
“Based upon a subsequent criminal investigation, State Troopers secured and executed a felony arrest warrant yesterday on Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, Florida, for aggravated animal cruelty,” Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said in a statement Tuesday.
“Our agency is grateful for the unprecedented support of State Attorney Suzy Lopez and her prosecutors, particularly during a state of emergency,” he added.
“On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, a dog, now known as Trooper, was found abandoned in flood waters up to his chest on Interstate-75 in Tampa while many residents were evacuating before Hurricane Milton.
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) October 15, 2024
Based upon a subsequent criminal investigation, State Troopers secured and… pic.twitter.com/br0jHNXeVY
The criminal investigation is active and ongoing.
“We take this crime very seriously and this defendant will face the consequences of his actions,” Lopez said in a statement.
In announcing the arrest, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also had strong words for the accused.
“You don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm. Totally unacceptable and we’re going to hold you accountable,” he told reporters.
“We said you’d be held accountable, and you will be held accountable,” he said to applause.
Meanwhile, Trooper Orlando Morales was recognized for his efforts in rescuing Trooper, who is now in the care of the Leon County Humane Society.
“Treating a pet like this is absolutely unacceptable, especially during an oncoming storm,” the Florida Police Benevolent Association posted on social media. “We are grateful to our law enforcement, especially Trooper Morales, for keeping our communities safe and protecting our four-legged friends. Great work!”
Yesterday, PBA member Trooper Orlando Morales was recognized for his efforts in rescuing a dog that was tied to a pole on I-75 as Hurricane Milton approached Florida. Thanks to Trooper Morales, the terrier, now named “Trooper”, is safe and has been transported to the Leon County… pic.twitter.com/a8ceZBQCI8
— Florida Police Benevolent Association (@FL_PBA) October 16, 2024
Lopez also praised the work of Morales.
“He’s an animal lover and father to a rescue dog himself,” she posted. “Thank you for your dedication to all of our residents- including the four-legged ones.”
So did DeSantis, who said the dog was very “rattled” when he was found along I-75.
Trooper will go up for adoption, DeSantis said.
"We said you'd be held accountable, and you will be held accountable."
— Jeremy Redfern (@JeremyRedfernFL) October 15, 2024
–@GovRonDeSantis, announcing that authorities ID'd the former owner of the dog rescued by FHP before Milton.
FHP arrested the suspect on felony animal cruelty, and @SuzyLopezSA will be handling the case. pic.twitter.com/yBouiM5x9R
But not quite yet, according to the Leon County Humane Society.
“We also want to reiterate we are not taking adoption inquiries at this time,” the humane society posted on Facebook.
“We have already received dozens of inquiries, and we understand he is a special and famous dog, but he needs time to decompress in foster so that we can match him with the best fit possible so that he has the best transition into his forever home.”
The shelter also called on animal lovers to adopt more dog that are filling up shelters across the country.
