Justice is being served for “Trooper” the dog that was foundtied to a fence and up to his belly in standing water during Hurricane Milton.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said the former owner of the abandoned dog was identified.
DeSantis said the suspect is facing animal cruelty charges.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles identified the suspect as 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin, Florida. Garcia was arrested on Monday for aggravated animal cruelty, a felony.
The governor addressedthe situation and emphasized the importance of justice and accountability for the alleged act during a news conference about post-storm response and support for first responders.
There was obviously a lot of moving parts when this poor dog was left out there, said DeSantis. “We said…there would be justice for that and we’re going to nail you when we find out who did it.
DeSantis also disclosed thatHillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez was prosecuting the case.
Garcia told investigators he was driving to Georgia to escape the hurricane but left his dog “Jumbo” on the side of the road because he couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up,Lopez said in a news release.
Online jail records showed that Garcia was released on Tuesday on $2,500 cash bond.
The trooper that came to the pup’s rescue got a tip from a driver about the dog on the side of the road.
Trooper Orlando Morales, who the prosecutor said is an animal lover and father to a rescue dog, diligently searched until he saw the dog tied up with water rising to the animal’s neck.
A photo of the trooper who saved “Trooper” was shared by Lopez. In her news release she assured the dog was safe and not returning to the defendant.
“Thank you toFlorida Highway Patrol Trooper Morales for rescuing Trooper the dog during #HurricaneMilton,” she wrote on X.
The humane society said Trooper’s caretakers are still getting to know him after he arrived at the shelter.
Trooper is in foster care with a wonderful family who has breed experience. In this home he will continue to decompress and enjoy all the good things in life. His foster parents will learn more about him and have his best interests at heart. Fosters have first opportunity to adopt, but if they find that their household isn’t ideal for Trooper, we’ll start looking for the perfect fit based on his foster’s recommendations. We ask that you respect the privacy of our foster families, the animal shelter posted.
“Trooper” was renamed after he was rescued by a state trooper on October 9.
As Floridians were escaping the Milton, Florida Highway Patrol shared a video on social media showing the dog tied to the post with the caption, “Do NOT do this to your pets please…”
On Tuesday, the governor reminded the public how serious the state takes animal cruelty cases.
“We expect you to treat animals well in the state of Florida,” he said.
The criminal investigation ongoing, according to authorities.