A Florida man is facing serious consequences after allegedly abandoning his dog on the side of Interstate 75 while fleeing Hurricane Milton. State Attorney Suzy Lopez has charged Giovanny Aldama Garcia with aggravated animal cruelty for the heartless act.
Garcia reportedly admitted to leaving his dog, “Jumbo,” tied up on the side of the highway as he evacuated to Georgia. He claimed he couldn’t find anyone to take the dog and chose to leave him behind instead.
A concerned driver alerted authorities to the abandoned animal. Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales responded and found the dog stranded with rising floodwaters reaching its neck as the hurricane approached.
Trooper Morales rescued the dog, now aptly renamed “Trooper,” who is thankfully safe and sound. Authorities have confirmed the dog will not be returned to Garcia.
“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. 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,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
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