After admitting to leaving his dog, now named Trooper the Dog, on Interstate 75 as he evacuated to safety during Hurricane Milton, State Attorney Suzy Lopez has charged Giovanny Aldama Garcia with aggravated animal cruelty.
The Central Florida defendant told investigators he was driving to Georgia to escape the hurricane but left his dog “Jumbo” on the side of the road because he couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.
Trooper Orlando Morales got a tip from a driver about the animal on the side of the road and diligently searched until he saw the dog tied up. Trooper Morales found the dog as water was rising to the animal’s neck and Hurricane Milton was bearing down on Tampa.
Now named Trooper, the dog is safe and will not be returned to the defendant.
“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. 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,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Here is a photo of State Attorney Suzy Lopez and Trooper Orlando Morales with Florida Highway Patrol and a happy Trooper the dog:
This incident even got the attention of Governor Ron DeSantis during the hurricane, and nearly all officials pledged to get justice for the animal.
The Office of the State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit is responsible for prosecuting all criminal violations of state law that occur throughout the Circuit, which encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the incorporated cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City.
