Additional Coverage:
A Florida man has been arrested for animal cruelty after leaving his dog tied to a post in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton.
Trooper, the dog, was found up to its chest in water near Interstate 75 in Tampa on October 9th. A state trooper rescued Trooper and shared a video on social media, condemning the owner’s actions.
The former owner, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, was arrested on Monday. State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated that the defendant would face consequences. Garcia was released on bond, but his attorney information is not yet available.
According to a criminal report, Garcia abandoned the dog during heavy rainfall and flooding. The affidavit states that his actions caused excessive pain and suffering to the animal.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Trooper has been adopted and is now in Tallahassee. He emphasized that abandoning pets during storms is unacceptable and that those responsible will be held accountable.