Florida Man Faces Felony Charges After Abandoning Dog in Hurricane Floodwaters

In a heart-wrenching case that has outraged animal lovers and authorities alike, a Florida man was arrested for leaving his dog tied to a fence in rising floodwaters as Hurricane Milton swept across the state last week. Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, is now facing aggravated animal cruelty charges after abandoning his white bull terrier, Jumbo, on the side of Interstate 75 as he fled the impending storm.

The cruel act, which could have resulted in the dog’s death, has ignited calls for harsher penalties for those who abandon animals during emergencies. Garcia, who was apprehended on Monday, admitted to authorities that he left his dog behind because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up” as he raced toward Georgia to escape the storm. His actions have drawn widespread condemnation, including from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

A Desperate Escape Turns to Cruelty

As Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida with its powerful winds and relentless rain, Garcia decided to evacuate. But in his haste, he made the callous decision to leave Jumbo, his loyal bull terrier, tied to a fence along a busy highway, with no way to escape the rising floodwaters.

Garcia’s justification for abandoning the dog—that he was unable to find anyone to care for Jumbo—has done little to quell the anger surrounding the case. Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez expressed her outrage at Garcia’s actions, making it clear that the county takes animal cruelty cases seriously.

“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 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.”

A Harrowing Rescue in the Floodwaters

The dog’s terrifying ordeal could have ended in tragedy if it hadn’t been for the vigilance of a passing motorist who noticed Jumbo struggling in the floodwaters. The driver flagged down Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales, who quickly sprang into action. Morales began a diligent search for the dog, driving a quarter-mile south and using a portable speaker to call out for the stranded animal.

Eventually, Morales located the frightened bull terrier, who was growling and barking as the water crept higher around him. Despite the dog’s defensive behavior, Morales remained calm, understanding the fear the animal was experiencing in the chaotic conditions. “I don’t blame you,” the trooper reportedly said to the trembling dog, as recounted by the Tampa Bay Times.

Determined to save the helpless creature, Morales parked his patrol car and waded through a soggy field next to the highway. The water had already risen past the dog’s legs, putting him in imminent danger of being swept away. Morales managed to free the terrified dog from his tether and transported him to safety.

Jumbo was immediately taken to a veterinarian, where he was given a thorough examination. Miraculously, the dog was found to be in good health despite the horrific circumstances he had been left in. His survival is a testament to the quick actions of Trooper Morales and the concerned driver who flagged him down.

A New Beginning for Jumbo: From Victim to “Trooper”

Following his rescue, the Leon County Humane Society stepped in to provide Jumbo with the care and shelter he needed. The organization arranged for the bull terrier to be placed in a foster home in Tallahassee, where he could begin to recover from his traumatic experience. As a tribute to his strength and resilience, as well as the heroic efforts of those who saved him, the Humane Society renamed him “Trooper.”

The new name serves as a reminder of the challenges Trooper faced and overcame, and it also honors Trooper Morales, whose determination ensured the dog’s survival. The Humane Society released a statement praising Trooper’s resilience, saying, “He’s been through so much, but thanks to the people who wouldn’t give up on him, he now has a chance at a better life.”

Outrage and Calls for Harsher Penalties

Governor Ron DeSantis did not mince words when addressing Garcia’s actions during a news conference on Tuesday. The governor expressed his deep frustration with the incident, emphasizing that abandoning an animal in such dangerous conditions is completely unacceptable.

“When this poor dog was left out there,” DeSantis said, “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.”

DeSantis made it clear that leaving a dog tied up in the path of a deadly hurricane was an unforgivable act of cruelty. “You don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm,” DeSantis declared. “Totally unacceptable, and we’re going to hold you accountable.”

State Attorney Lopez echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that Garcia would not be getting his dog back and would likely face severe legal consequences for his actions. Under Florida law, aggravated animal cruelty is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Garcia, who was released from jail on a $2,500 cash bond, is awaiting trial and could face significant jail time if convicted.

The Path Forward: Protecting Animals During Emergencies

While Garcia’s arrest may bring some sense of justice, it has also sparked a larger conversation about the need for stronger protections for animals during natural disasters. Lopez has called on lawmakers to re-examine the state’s current animal cruelty laws, particularly in cases where pets are abandoned during hurricanes, floods, or other emergencies.

“In my opinion, the current penalties are not enough to deter people from abandoning their animals in dangerous situations,” Lopez said. “We need to have stronger laws in place to ensure that those who abuse or neglect their animals, especially during emergencies, are held accountable to the fullest extent.”

As the legal proceedings against Garcia move forward, animal advocates across Florida and the nation are hopeful that Trooper’s case will lead to meaningful change, ensuring that no pet is ever left behind in a time of crisis.