In brief
A Florida man, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, was arrested after allegedly leaving his dog tied to a post in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. The animal, renamed Trooper, was rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol on October 9. Viral bodycam footage showed the dog submerged in water up to his chest. Garcia, who claimed he could not find a caretaker as he fled the storm, later surrendered ownership when he attempted to claim the dog from a shelter. He now faces up to five years in prison for aggravated animal cruelty. Governor Ron DeSantis condemned the act, praising Trooper’s resilience and announcing an imminent adoption. The Leon County Humane Society reported an overwhelming response from potential adopters. Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, caused significant devastation, resulting in at least 24 deaths and numerous rescues.
Man Faces Charges After Abandoning Dog in Hurricane FloodwatersThe dog, now named Trooper, is recovering in an animal shelter while awaiting adoption.A Florida man, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, was arrested after allegedly leaving his dog tied to a post in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton. The animal, renamed Trooper, was rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol on October 9. Viral bodycam footage showed the dog submerged in water up to his chest. Garcia, who claimed he could not find a caretaker as he fled the storm, later surrendered ownership when he attempted to claim the dog from a shelter. He now faces up to five years in prison for aggravated animal cruelty. Governor Ron DeSantis condemned the act, praising Trooper’s resilience and announcing an imminent adoption. The Leon County Humane Society reported an overwhelming response from potential adopters. Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, caused significant devastation, resulting in at least 24 deaths and numerous rescues.
