TAMPA, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – The man who abandoned a dog on Interstate 75 approaching Hurricane Milton was charged in relation to the incident.
According to the Office of the State Attorney, Suzy Lopez charged Giovanny Aldama Garcia with aggravated animal cruelty. Garcia admitted to leaving his dog on Interstate I-75 while evacuating during Hurricane Milton, stating that he was driving to Georgia to escape the hurricane and left his dog because he could not find someone to pick him up. (RELATED: Florida Highway Patrol troopers rescue dog tied to pole on I-75 ahead of Milton)
“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. Hopefully, lawmakers take a look at this case and discuss changing the law to allow for harsher penalties for people who abandon their animals during a state of emergency,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez according to a press release.
The bull terrier formerly named “Jumbo” is now named “Trooper” after the story of his rescue.
A Florida Highway Patrol Tampa Trooper named Orlando Morales received a tip from a driver about an animal on the side of the road. The Office of the State Attorney says he searched for the animal and found the dog while the rising water and Hurricane Milton were impending.
“Trooper Morales is a dog lover and father of a rescue dog himself. We thank him for service to all residents- even four-legged ones!” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said in a post to Facebook.
“I’m glad there’s going to be accountability, I think people want to see that, it just shows we take this very seriously and we expect you to treat animals well in the state of Florida,” Governor DeSantis said at a press conference with law enforcement in Hillsborough County.
The dog will not be returned to the defendant.
He is not available for adoption at this time.
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