Tampa, FL – On Tuesday, the Florida Office of State Attorney announced charges against the man who abandoned his dog on Interstate 75 near Tampa as Hurricane Milton approached. According to the news release, Giovanny Garcia admitted that he abandoned his dog as he fled the hurricane area.
Garcia told investigators that he left his dog “Jumbo” on the side of the road because he couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up. Trooper Orlando Morales received a tip about an abandoned dog on the roadside and searched until the pup was located. By the time help arrived, the dog was standing in water that reached his chest, unable to escape because he was tethered to a pole.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez commented on the aggravated animal cruelty charge Garcia is facing:
“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. 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.”
The dog, dubbed Trooper, was taken in by the Leon County Human Society and he will not be returned to Garcia.
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