Florida resident Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after abandoning his dog, a white bull terrier named Jumbo, tied to a roadside fence in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. The dog, now up for adoption under the name Trooper, was rescued by Trooper Orlando Morales of the Florida Highway Patrol following a tip-off from a driver.
When he was detained by police on Monday, Garcia admitted that he abandoned Jumbo alongside I-75 because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up” as the hurricane approached. After leaving the dog, Garcia carried on to Georgia to ride out the storm.
A driver spotted the dog on the side of the highway soon after and flagged down Trooper Morales. Jumbo was found shivering in floodwater that had risen past his legs but was otherwise unharmed.
FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please… pic.twitter.com/8cZJOfkJL2
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) October 9, 2024
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He has now been placed in a foster home in Tallahassee, with a new name to reflect “how much he’s been through and to honor those who saved him.” The Tampa branch of the Florida Highway Patrol has received a Compassionate Police Department Award from PETA for its handling of the situation.
Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated that Garcia could face up to five years in prison and expressed hope for harsher penalties for such offenses.
“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,” Lopez said. “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.”
During a press conference on Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the unacceptability of such actions and pledged accountability.
“When this poor dog was left out there, we said … we’re going to nail you when we find out who did it. And that’s exactly what they’re doing here in Hillsborough County with State Attorney Lopez,” DeSantis said. “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.”
The case has sparked widespread public outrage and calls for more stringent laws against animal cruelty during emergencies. Trooper is currently in foster care in Tallahassee and will be available for adoption through the Leon County Humane Society.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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