(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken decisive action against animal cruelty by announcing the arrest of a man who heartlessly abandoned his dog during Hurricane Milton.
23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin, Florida, was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
As Hurricane Milton approached, he left his bull terrier tied to a post on Interstate-75 in Tampa.
The dog, now named Trooper, was found by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales, who captured the distressing scene on video.
Governor DeSantis slammed Garcia’s actions while addressing the media at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
“We said you’d be held accountable, and you will be held accountable,” DeSantis declared.
Garcia’s excuse for abandoning Trooper was that he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up” during the evacuation.
“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously,” State Attorney Susan Lopez said. “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,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is conducting an active criminal investigation into the case, ensuring no stone is left unturned to get justice for Trooper.
Thankfully, Trooper’s story has a silver lining. The brave dog is now safe in a foster home with the Leon County Humane Society.
The organization hopes that Trooper’s ordeal will inspire more adoptions and support for local animal rescues, turning this tale of cruelty into one of hope.
Governor DeSantis and State Attorney Lopez have made it clear that crimes committed before and after Hurricane Milton will not be tolerated.
This strong stance sends a powerful message to would-be criminals that Florida will not hesitate to prosecute those who take advantage of emergencies.
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