Man Faces Cruelty Charges in Milton Animal Abuse Case

TAMPA -- Detectives have identified a suspect in the abandonment of a dog during Hurricane Milton.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced his arrest during a news conference in Tampa. 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama-Garcia faces a felony animal cruelty charge that could result in five years in prison if convicted.

Florida Highway patrol trooper Orlando Morales discovered the dog tied to a fence on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County last Wednesday, in rising water up to its belly. The bull terrier, now named Trooper, is in Tallahassee waiting to be put up for adoption.

Photo: FHP/HCSO