Florida authorities in the United States, have arrested Giovanny a 23-year-old from Ruskin, Aldama Garcia, for allegedly leaving his dog tied to a post in rising floodwaters ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
The incident, which took place on Interstate-75 in Tampa, was discovered when state troopers found the dog struggling in water that had risen to chest level.
The Florida Highway Patrol later released bodycam footage showing the rescue, warning residents: “Do NOT do this to your pets please…”
On Monday, Aldama Garcia was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and taken into custody.
The dog, originally named Jumbo, has since been renamed Trooper, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Trooper is currently in Tallahassee and will soon be adopted, as confirmed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at a news conference.
“The dog was very rattled from that experience,” Governor DeSantis remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation. “We said at the time, you don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm, totally unacceptable, and we’re gonna hold you accountable.”
Online jail records indicated that Aldama Garcia was released on a $2,500 bond on Tuesday, one day after his arrest. However, the date of his court appearance remains unknown.
According to a news release from Suzy Lopez, the state attorney for Tampa’s 13th judicial circuit who is overseeing the case, Aldama Garcia explained that he was fleeing to Georgia ahead of the storm but abandoned the dog on the roadside when he couldn’t find anyone to care for it.
The dog was later rescued after a tip led state trooper Orlando Morales to the scene, where the floodwaters had nearly reached the animal’s neck.
In a surprising twist, two days after the rescue, Aldama Garcia attempted to reclaim the dog from a local shelter, providing photos as proof of ownership.
However, the dog had already been moved to another facility. According to an affidavit reviewed by ABC News, Aldama Garcia expressed willingness to surrender ownership if the foster family could provide “good care and love” for the dog, filling out the necessary paperwork to relinquish his claim.
Lopez emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously. This defendant is charged with a felony and could face up to five years in prison for his actions. Quite frankly, I don’t think that is enough.” Lopez urged lawmakers to consider stricter penalties for those who abandon animals during emergencies.
She also extended her gratitude to Trooper Morales, commending his efforts in saving the dog.
“He’s an animal lover and father to a rescue dog himself. Thank you for your dedication to all of our residents – including the four-legged ones,” she said.
