The man who tied his dog to a pole along a major highway as Hurricane Milton tore through Florida has been identified and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
In a heartbreaking video, the white puppy with black ears is seen terrified and growling as he stands in water up to his chest as police rescue the dog.
District Attorney Suzy Lopez announced that the dog’s former owner has been identified as Giovanny Garcia.
Garcia admitted to abandoning his dog, who he named Jumbo, on I-75 when he was evacuated to Georgia because he couldn’t find anyone to pick up the puppy, WWSB reported.
“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously. This suspect is facing a felony charge and could face up to five years in prison for his actions,” Lopez said.
Heartbreaking video shows the white puppy with black ears terrified and growling as he stands in water up to his chest as police rescue the dog
Giovanny Adamma Garcia is accused of tying his dog to a pole as Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida.
“I honestly don’t think that’s enough. Hopefully lawmakers will look into this issue and change the law to allow for tougher penalties for people who abandon their animals during the emergency.”
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales received a tip about the animal and found it in a grassy area on the side of I-75 near Bruce B Downs Boulevard near Tampa.
“It’s okay, buddy, it’s okay,” the officer was heard saying as the dog tried to run away. “It’s okay, it’s okay!”
As Morales approached the dog and realized he was stuck, he began growling as the small animal was up to his chest in water.
Despite several attempts to comfort the dog, he continued to growl and bark.
“I don’t blame you,” the officer said. “It’s okay, buddy, it’s okay.
Eventually, the dog was found safe and given a clean bill of health by the vet.
District Attorney Suzy Lopez announced that the dog’s former owner has been identified as Giovanny Garcia
Garcia admitted he left his dog, whom he named Jumbo, on I-75 when he was evacuated to Georgia
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales (left) received a tip about the animal and found it on the lawn
Employees with the Leon County Humane Society named the dog Trooper for “what he’s been through” and “in honor of those who saved him,” the people said. WHITSP.
“We can’t imagine what happened to him tied to this pole, leaving him without hope. It’s hard to imagine how scared he must have been as the cars raced by, the water rose up to his belly and the storm clouds darkened.”
Governor Ron DeSantis praised the Trooper for his rescue efforts and praised the district attorney for holding the dog abuser accountable.
“As Hurricane Milton approached, someone decided it would be a good idea to tie his dog to a pole along the highway, somehow,” DeSantis said.