Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, will face aggravated animal cruelty charges for abandoning his dog, Trooper, during Hurricane Milton. Garcia allegedly tied the dog to a pole in the Tampa area and fled to Georgia ahead of the storm. After being rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol officer, the dog, initially named “Jumbo,” was renamed Trooper to honor his survival and the efforts of those who saved him.
Dog Left to Face Storm Alone Rescued in Time
Trooper was discovered tied to a fence near Interstate 75, left to endure the approaching storm as floodwaters rose. Despite the mandatory evacuations in the area, Garcia claimed he left his dog behind because he couldn’t find anyone to care for him. However, Governor DeSantis made it clear that such actions will not be tolerated: “You don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm… Unacceptable, and we’re going to hold you accountable.” Garcia now faces up to five years in prison for the third-degree felony of aggravated animal cruelty, and he has already posted a $2,500 bond.
Rescued Just in Time
An officer who responded to the scene amid storm preparations found Trooper. The Humane Society shared a vivid account of Trooper’s ordeal, noting the terrifying conditions in which the dog was left. “It’s hard to imagine the situation that left him tied to this pole, with water rising to his belly and storm clouds gathering,” the organization said.
Bodycam footage released by the Florida Highway Patrol shows the trooper approaching the frightened dog in the rain, attempting to reassure him. “It’s OK, buddy. I don’t blame you,” the officer can be heard saying, as the dog barked and growled, clearly stressed from the dangerous circumstances. Trooper was later picked up by the Humane Society’s dog coordinator, who drove through the storm to retrieve him.
The Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee is now caring for Trooper, who is safe and dry in foster care. He remains anxious and is undergoing a period of “decompression” as he adjusts to a stable environment after the traumatic experience.
Trooper’s Journey to Recovery
The Humane Society explained that while Trooper is physically safe, his emotional recovery will take time. “Abandoning a dog like this doesn’t allow for an immediate bounce back to their happy selves,” the organization said. Most rescued dogs require time to feel secure again, and Trooper is no exception. “We want to ensure we understand what he needs before even considering adoption.”
Trooper will remain in foster care until the Humane Society is confident he is ready for his next life phase. His future adoption will only occur once it is determined he is fully prepared for a loving home, where he will be treated with the kindness he deserves.
Attempts to reach Garcia for comment were unsuccessful, and the state attorney’s office reported no information about his legal representation. However, authorities and animal advocates remain firm that Garcia will face consequences for his actions, and Trooper’s eventual recovery will be their primary focus moving forward.
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