Trooper the Dog Rescued in Tampa During Hurricane Milton; Owner Charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty

Oct 15, 2024, 06:15 PM

A dog named "Trooper" was found tied to a fence in chest-deep floodwaters along Interstate 75 in Tampa, Florida, ahead of Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. Rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, Trooper is now safe and rehabilitating at the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee, awaiting adoption. Authorities have identified and arrested the dog's former owner, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, who admitted to abandoning Trooper because he "couldn't find anyone to pick the dog up." Garcia faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the arrest, stating, "We said you'd be held accountable, and you will be held accountable." State Attorney Suzy Lopez will handle the case, emphasizing that animal cruelty is a serious crime in Florida.