Amid the chaos brought by Hurricane Milton, Florida Highway Patrol troopers made a startling discovery along Interstate 75 near Tampa. A young white dog, now named Trooper, had been left tied to a fence, chest-deep in floodwaters, as the Category 4 storm approached.
The rescue video went viral, with viewers expressing outrage over the abandonment. Days later, authorities announced that they had arrested Giovanny Aldama Garcia, the man accused of leaving Trooper to face the hurricane alone.
The 23-year-old was arrested in Hillsborough County on a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which shared details of the case on NBC News. Prosecutors stated that Garcia allegedly tied the dog to the fence as he evacuated to Georgia, claiming he could not find anyone to care for Trooper. The criminal affidavit outlined how Garcia had left the dog behind as the hurricane approached, risking Trooper’s life in the floodwaters, reports Today.
Rescue Sparks Public Outcry
When the trooper found Trooper, floodwaters had already reached the dog’s chest. The animal, visibly distressed and trembling, barked anxiously as the officer approached. The rescue, which was posted on social media by the FHP, included a warning caption: “Do NOT do this to your pets please…”
As the footage circulated, public calls for justice grew louder, with many condemning the person responsible for leaving Trooper in such a dire situation, FOX Weather reports.
This outcry led to a swift investigation, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office soon identified Garcia as the owner. According to the criminal affidavit, Garcia later attempted to reclaim Trooper from the Hillsborough County Animal Shelter, presenting photos as proof of ownership. However, by that time, Trooper had already been relocated to the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee, WTSP reports. Garcia eventually agreed to surrender ownership of Trooper, provided the dog would be placed in a caring foster home.
Legal and Community Response
Thirteenth Circuit State Attorney Suzy Lopez, who is prosecuting the case, emphasized that Hillsborough County takes animal cruelty seriously. Garcia could face up to five years in prison for aggravated animal cruelty, ABC News reports.
In a press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support for harsher penalties in cases of animal abandonment during emergencies, calling current laws inadequate. “When this poor dog was left out there, we said there would be justice for that,” DeSantis said.
The Leon County Humane Society, which is now caring for Trooper, has received numerous inquiries from people wanting to adopt him, Bored Panda reports. The shelter has expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that their priority is to help Trooper recover fully before placing him with a permanent family.
In a Facebook post, the shelter shared, “His name is Trooper because of how much he’s been through and to honor those who saved him.”
Trooper’s story serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, especially in emergencies. As Hurricane Milton demonstrated, animals are often left vulnerable when their owners flee disasters. While Trooper was rescued just in time, many other pets face grave dangers when abandoned. The FHP and animal welfare groups continue to urge residents to plan for their pets in emergency situations and to use pet-friendly shelters when evacuating.
