Owner Who Abandoned Dog In Milton Flood Waters Arrested: Officials

TAMPA, FL — The owner of a dog abandoned in flood waters up to his chest on Interstate 75 while evacuating during Hurricane Milton was arrested and charged with animal cruelty, the state attorney’s office said.

Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin told investigators that he was driving to Georgia to escape the hurricane when he left his dog, Jumbo, on the side of the road because he couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.

State Trooper Orlando Morales searched for the dog after receiving a tip from another driver and found him tied up on the side of the road.

• Also Read: Dog Found Tied To Pole Before Milton Landfall Rescued By Police

Water was rising to the animal’s neck as Milton bore down on Tampa, the state attorney’s office said.

The dog, who is safe, has since been renamed Trooper and won’t 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,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said. “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.”