A Florida man has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after leaving his dog tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached. Rescued by state police, the dog is now recovering at a shelter, while the case has sparked calls for harsher penalties for animal cruelty during emergencies.
Dog Rescued From Rising Floodwaters
Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, left his in rising floodwaters as he evacuated the state. Luckily, Florida Highway Patrol officers managed to rescue the poor pup from chest-deep water along Interstate 75 in Tampa.
Garcia told investigators he had left his dog because he could not find anyone to care for him when evacuating to Georgia.
Giovanny was arrested on felony charges of animal cruelty and could face up to five years in prison.
Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez, who is pursuing the case, emphasized the seriousness of the crime and called for harsher penalties for those who abandon animals during emergencies.
Trooper’s Recovery
Despite Garcia’s attempt to reclaim his dog, now named Trooper, after the storm, his request was denied, and he agreed to surrender the dog.
Trooper is now recovering at a shelter and has received numerous adoption inquiries from people eager to give him a new home.
Lopez and other officials hope this case will encourage lawmakers to strengthen animal protection laws, especially during natural disasters. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and many are calling for stricter punishments for those who put their pets in danger.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised the rescue and said, “Leaving a pet behind during a storm is unacceptable, and we will hold people accountable.”
Trooper’s future now looks bright as he awaits adoption into a loving family. His story has captured the hearts of many and serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for better animal welfare protections, especially during times of crisis.