Storm Escalates as Florida Man’s Shocking Decision Puts His Bull Terrier in Danger!

A Florida man has been arrested after authorities discovered that he left his bull terrier tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton, which recently battered central Florida. Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez confirmed that 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia was taken into custody on Monday. He faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony, which could lead to a five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.

Garcia admitted to abandoning his dog, Jumbo, along Interstate 75 as he fled to Georgia to escape the approaching hurricane. In his defense, Garcia claimed he had no one to care for the dog and felt his only option was to leave him behind. This decision has outraged many, with both officials and the public calling for stricter penalties.

In a public statement, State Attorney Lopez strongly condemned Garcia’s actions. “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,” Lopez stated. She further urged lawmakers to reconsider current laws, calling for harsher penalties in cases where pets are abandoned in life-threatening situations. “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.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also voiced his disapproval of Garcia’s actions during a news conference on Tuesday. “When this poor dog was left out there,” DeSantis remarked, “We said… we’re going to nail you when we find out who did it. And that’s exactly what they’re doing here in Hillsborough County with State Attorney Lopez.” He continued, “You don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm. Totally unacceptable, and we’re going to hold you accountable.”

Garcia was released from jail after posting a $2,500 bond, but his case continues to attract attention. Prior to his arrest, Florida police officers had been racing against time to evacuate residents when one of them was notified about the abandoned dog. The officers braved worsening weather conditions to rescue Jumbo, who was visibly exhausted and soaked by the storm.

In a heartwarming moment captured on video, an officer approached the terrified animal, speaking softly to comfort him. “It’s ok buddy, it’s ok,” the officer is heard saying in the footage. The dog, sitting in a puddle of water, barked in distress, to which the officer replied, “I don’t blame you.”

The arrest affidavit highlighted the severity of Garcia’s actions, stating, “Due to the circumstances, and the extreme danger and risk of death caused by the defendant to the dog, the defendant’s actions caused excessive unnecessary infliction of pain and suffering to the dog.” The rescue occurred at approximately 9 a.m., according to official reports.

Following the rescue, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers took to social media, posting, “FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please.” The post quickly went viral, with many users expressing their shock and outrage. One commenter wrote, “Perhaps we find the owner and the troopers can tie them to the pole and leave them? Just a suggestion.”

The Leon County Humane Society has since taken custody of the dog, now renamed “Trooper,” as a tribute to both his resilience and the officers who saved him. The organization shared that Trooper is recovering from the ordeal and is receiving the care and attention he deserves.