The heartless Floridian who abandoned his dog in rising floodwaters along a highway fence during Hurricane Milton’s rampage through the state last week has been apprehended.
Owner who abandoned dog apprehended
Authorities arrested Giovanny Aldama Garcia on Monday, charging him with aggravated animal cruelty—a serious third-degree felony.
Fessing up to leaving his bull terrier, a white canine named Jumbo, on Interstate 75, Garcia explained he was rushing to Georgia to escape the storm’s wrath.
The dog was rescued by a passing state trooper, after he was found cruelly abandoned and tied to a fence during the storm.
The 23-year-old told authorities he deserted the dog because finding someone to care for him proved impossible while he was trying to flee the state.
Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez condemned Garcia’s actions, urging lawmakers to consider harsher penalties for those who abandon pets during emergencies.
“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 stated.
“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.”
A passing driver signaled Trooper Morales about seeing the dog, who then tirelessly searched the area for Jumbo.
Abandoned dog rescued by state trooper
Morales drove about a quarter-mile south, using a portable speaker to call for the dog, who eventually found trembling and barking.
“It’s okay, buddy, it’s okay,” the officer reassured as he approached the dog, which tried to back away in a video of the incident. “It’s okay, it’s okay!”
The small animal stood in water chest-deep, growling continuously despite Morales’ efforts to calm him.
“I don’t blame you,” the trooper commented, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
Parking his patrol car, Morales wadded through a sodden field beside Interstate 75, eventually rescuing the restrained pooch from the water.
The dog was taken to a veterinarian, examined for injuries, and declared healthy.
The Leon County Humane Society facilitated Jumbo’s relocation to a foster home in Tallahassee, renaming him Trooper to honor both his ordeal and the efforts of his rescuers.
“We can’t imagine the situation that ended with him tied to this pole and left him without any hope,” they remarked.
“It’s hard even to think about how scared he must have been as cars raced by, the water rose to his belly, and the storm clouds darkened.”
The LCHS also noted that while Trooper, who has been highly sought after for adoption, was safe, he’s traumatized by the ordeal.
“He’s incredibly stressed and still decompressing. Abandoning a dog like this doesn’t typically allow for an immediate bounce back to their happy selves,” the organization said in a post on Facebook.
“Most dogs when rescued take a few days to feel safe, a few weeks to come out of their shell, and a few months to become comfortable and fall into a routine.”
Florida Governor blasts owner
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Garcia’s “unacceptable” actions during his evacuation from the hurricane’s path.
“When this poor dog was left out there,” DeSantis began. “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.”
“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,” he remarked on Tuesday.
Garcia could spend up to five years behind bars for his felony charge and will not regain custody of the dog.
He got out of jail on Tuesday after posting a $2,500 cash bond.
