Florida man who left dog tied to post faces criminal charges | 98.7 The Gator

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday the owner of an abandoned dog now known as “Trooper” that captured hearts during Hurricane Milton has been identified and will be prosecuted for aggravated animal cruelty.

The dog’s former owner – identified by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, Florida. He is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. According to prosecutors, Garcia told police he abandoned his dog “Jumbo” on the way to Georgia because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick up the dog.” According to a Florida Highway Patrol affidavit, Garcia showed up at the Hillsborough County Animal Shelter on Friday and showed pictures of the dog in an attempt to claim the owner. Garcia’s information was forwarded to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, where the dog was taken.

Garcia said if the caregiver cared for and loved the dog, he would relinquish ownership, according to the affidavit.

Give up… this dog is no longer yours! You have no right to ever own a dog again!

If you missed the original heartbreaking video of when the FHP soldiers discovered and rescued him, you can find the video here 🙁