In a shocking case of animal cruelty, a Florida man has been arrested for abandoning his dog in rising floodwaters as Hurricane Milton approached the state last week. Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, was taken into custody on Monday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony. Garcia’s cruel actions have sparked outrage across Florida, with Governor Ron DeSantis and Hillsborough County officials calling for harsher penalties for those who abandon animals during natural disasters.
Garcia admitted to leaving his white bull terrier, Jumbo, tied to a fence along Interstate 75 as he rushed to evacuate to Georgia. His excuse? He couldn’t find anyone to take care of the dog. As the storm’s dangerous floodwaters surged, Garcia heartlessly left his pet to fend for itself, hoping to escape the storm’s wrath without facing the consequences of his actions.
Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez, who has been a vocal advocate for strengthening animal cruelty laws, was appalled by Garcia’s behavior. She made it clear that Florida would not tolerate such cruelty, especially during a state of emergency.
“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously,” Lopez said. “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. Lawmakers need to take a hard look at cases like this and discuss harsher penalties for abandoning animals in life-threatening situations.”
The dog, now renamed “Trooper” in honor of his resilience, was rescued by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales, who searched diligently after being alerted by a concerned driver. Morales showed true heroism, driving a quarter-mile south along the highway and using a portable speaker to call for the dog. When he found Trooper, the terrified dog was trembling, growling, and barking—understandably defensive after being left to face such dangerous conditions alone.
Morales, undeterred by the animal’s fear, waded through the floodwaters to rescue Trooper, who was soaked and frightened but ultimately unharmed. The dog was taken to a veterinarian for a check-up and was given a clean bill of health. From there, Trooper was placed into a foster home in Tallahassee by the Leon County Humane Society.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in on the incident during a press conference, condemning Garcia’s actions and praising the swift response of law enforcement and State Attorney Lopez.
“When this poor dog was left out there, we made it clear we would find out who did it and hold them accountable,” DeSantis said. “You don’t just tie up a dog and leave them in a storm. Totally unacceptable, and we’re going to make sure people who do this face the consequences.”
Garcia faces up to five years in prison for the felony charge and has been released from jail on a $2,500 bond. Under current law, Garcia will not be getting his dog back, a decision welcomed by animal rights advocates and the broader public.
This case has reignited a broader conversation about strengthening penalties for animal cruelty, particularly during emergencies. As natural disasters become more frequent, ensuring the protection of vulnerable animals left behind should be a top priority for lawmakers. The message from Gov. DeSantis and others is clear: abandoning a defenseless animal in the face of danger will not be tolerated in the Sunshine State.
