<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=03A0qr_0w81If7Z00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=03A0qr_0w81If7Z00" width="600" height="455" ><figcaption>“Trooper” and State Attorney Suzy Lopez with Trooper Orlando Morales</figcaption></figure>A Florida man is facing serious consequences after allegedly abandoning his dog on the side of Interstate 75 while fleeing Hurricane Milton. State Attorney Suzy Lopez has charged Giovanny Aldama Garcia with aggravated animal cruelty for the heartless act.Garcia reportedly admitted to leaving his dog, “Jumbo,” tied up on the side of the highway as he evacuated to Georgia. He claimed he couldn’t find anyone to take the dog and chose to leave him behind instead.A concerned driver alerted authorities to the abandoned animal. Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales responded and found the dog stranded with rising floodwaters reaching its neck as the hurricane approached.Trooper Morales rescued the dog, now aptly renamed “Trooper,” who is thankfully safe and sound. Authorities have confirmed the dog will not be returned to Garcia.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1nbJ86_0w81If7Z00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1nbJ86_0w81If7Z00" width="631" height="503" ><figcaption>Florida Highway Patrol Rescues Abandoned Dog Tied To Pole Amid Hurricane Evacuation</figcaption></figure>“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,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. Please make a small <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KWYEB8X3JQ2MY">donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism</a>. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.Android Users: Download our <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tampafpcom.myapp&amp;hl=en_US&amp;gl=US&amp;pli=1">free app to stay</a> up-to-date on the latest news.Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tampafp/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://x.com/tampafreepress">Twitter</a> for breaking news and updates.Sign up: Subscribe to our free <a href="https://www.tampafp.com/newsletter/">newsletter</a> for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Georgia-Bound Florida Man Who Abandoned Dog For Dead On I-75 During Hurricane Charged

A Florida man is facing serious consequences after allegedly abandoning his dog on the side of Interstate 75 while fleeing Hurricane Milton. State Attorney Suzy Lopez has charged Giovanny Aldama Garcia with aggravated animal cruelty for the heartless act. Garcia reportedly admitted to leaving his dog, “Jumbo,” tied up on...