Former Owner Arrested for Allegedly Tying Dog to Post in Floodwaters Ahead of Hurricane Milton, Causing Suffering

In a shocking incident that has drawn widespread outrage, a Florida man has been arrested for allegedly committing aggravated animal cruelty after reportedly leaving his dog tied to a post in rising floodwaters along Interstate 75. The shocking scene unfolded in Tampa on October 9, as Hurricane Milton approached the state, bringing severe weather and prompting mass evacuations.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the dog, now named Trooper, was discovered struggling in floodwaters that reached up to its chest. A state trooper who responded to a call regarding the abandoned animal rescued Trooper amid the chaos of storm preparations. The Florida Highway Patrol shared video footage of the harrowing rescue, urging the public to never treat animals in such a negligent manner.

Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, Florida, has been identified as the former owner of the dog and was taken into custody for allegedly inflicting excessive pain and suffering on the animal by leaving it vulnerable to the dangerous elements. State Attorney Suzy Lopez announced the arrest, emphasizing the seriousness of animal cruelty offenses and stating that Aldama Garcia will “face the consequences of his actions.”

The arrest follows a criminal affidavit that details the dire circumstances faced by Trooper. The document indicates that during a state of emergency, heavy rains and floodwaters exposed the dog to a significant risk of death due to its owner’s alleged negligence. “The defendant’s actions caused excessive unnecessary infliction of pain and suffering to the dog,” the affidavit reportedly states.

Following the rescue, Aldama Garcia allegedly attempted to claim ownership of Trooper at the Hillsborough County Animal Shelter, showing photos as proof. However, the situation took a turn when he was said to have indicated that if the current foster caretaker would provide good care for the dog, he would willingly surrender ownership.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke out against Aldama Garcia’s actions during a Tuesday briefing, labeling them as “totally unacceptable.” He affirmed the state’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their treatment of animals during crises.

After Trooper’s rescue and subsequent rehabilitation, the dog has been taken to Tallahassee and is awaiting adoption. This type of alleged negligence has sparked conversations about pet safety during emergencies, prompting officials to urge pet owners to plan for their animals in adverse weather conditions.

Aldama Garcia has been released on a cash bond and no further information has been released about potential legal proceedings. As the story unfolds, animal welfare advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of laws protecting pets from similar acts of alleged cruelty in the future.