A man charged with animal cruelty after leaving his dog behind before a hurricane has provided a startling explanation for his actions.
Recently, footage from a police bodycam was posted on Florida Highway Patrol’s Twitter account and quickly gained widespread attention.
The distressing video revealed a white bull terrier standing in knee-deep water, tied to a fence, and abandoned by its owner.
While the abandonment of any pet is distressing, this particular incident drew significant attention as it occurred just a day before the dangerous Hurricane Milton struck Florida.
Trooper Orlando Morales of the Florida Highway Patrol discovered the stranded dog and managed to rescue it.
The dog, now named Trooper in honor of the officer who saved him, initially showed aggression by growling and barking at Morales in the video. Nevertheless, the officer successfully brought the animal to safety.
As anticipated, the viral video sparked an outcry, with many demanding the owner be identified and held accountable – and now he has been.
Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, from Ruskin, was apprehended on Monday (October 14) on felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty, as confirmed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Twitter.
Dave Kerner, Executive Director, stated: “On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, a dog, now known as Trooper, was found abandoned in flood waters up to his chest on Interstate-75 in Tampa while many residents were evacuating before Hurricane Milton.
Based on a subsequent criminal investigation, State Troopers secured and executed a felony arrest warrant yesterday on Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, Florida, for aggravated animal cruelty.
Our agency is grateful for the unprecedented support of State Attorney Suzy Lopez and her prosecutors, particularly during a state of emergency. The criminal investigation is active and ongoing and additional information is unavailable at this time.”
State Attorney Suzy Lopez has since released her own statement, revealing Garcia’s excuse for deserting his dog, which he had named Jumbo.
She remarked that the dog was at risk of ‘certain death’ after being left behind before the storm.
Garcia claimed he was unable to find someone to take the dog and decided to leave him as he fled Florida himself.
“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.”
Despite leaving Trooper to survive on his own during one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the US recently, Garcia visited the Hillsborough County Animal Shelter on Friday (October 11) in an attempt to reclaim his pet.
He has since agreed to relinquish ownership of the dog, ensuring that Trooper will receive love and care from a new owner.
If you witness an animal in distress or in need of assistance, dial 911 if a crime is ongoing. You can also access a directory of animal abuse investigation agencies by state here.