TAMPA, Fla. (WJHG/Gray News) – A Florida man who abandoned a dog and tied him to a pole during Hurricane Milton has been charged, according to authorities.
According to the Office of the State Attorney, Giovanny Aldama Garcia was charged with aggravated animal cruelty. He faces up to 5 years in prison, WJHG reported.
Garcia allegedly admitted to leaving his dog, formerly named Jumbo, on Interstate 75 while evacuating during Hurricane Milton.
He told authorities that he was driving to Georgia to escape the hurricane and left his dog because he could not find someone to pick him up.
Shortly after, Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales received a tip from a driver about an animal on the side of the road.
That’s when Morales found the dog while the rising water and Hurricane Milton were impending.
Authorities ended up naming the animal Trooper and said he would not be returned to Garcia.
As of now, he is not available for adoption.
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