Owner of abandoned dog "Trooper" faces felony animal cruelty charges

The owner of the dog known as "Trooper", who was abandoned during Hurricane Milton, has been identified and will face prosecution for aggravated animal cruelty. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the news at a press conference, stating that the owner's actions were "totally unacceptable" and that they would be held accountable.

The dog, a Bull terrier, was found tied to a fence and up to his belly in standing water along the side of Interstate 75 by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper. The discovery was recorded on video and sparked outrage on social media.

Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated that the owner, identified as Giovanny Aldama Garcia, would face up to five years in prison for the third-degree felony. Lopez emphasized that animal cruelty would not be tolerated in Hillsborough County, saying "We take animal cruelty very, very seriously... You don't get away with doing what this man did in Hillsborough County, not under my watch."

Garcia admitted to leaving his dog, which he called "Jumbo", on the side of the road as he was driving from Tampa to Georgia to flee from the hurricane. The dog has been in the care of the Leon County Humane Society and will not be returned to Garcia.