Animal Cruelty Charges Dropped Against Fla. Man Accused of Abandoning Dog During Hurricane Evacuations

Animal cruelty charges have been dropped against a Florida man accused of abandoning his dog during hurricane evacuations. The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office spokesperson stated that the dog was not intentionally tied to the fence, and no evidence of ropes or chains being present was found at the scene. The incident involving the dog, named Trooper, led to the creation of Trooper’s Law in Florida, making it a felony to abandon dogs during disasters or evacuations.

Prosecutors have withdrawn the animal cruelty charge against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 24, of Ruskin, Florida, as there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the trial scheduled for November. The decision to drop the felony charge was based on the fact that the dog was not intentionally tied to the fence as initially reported, according to a memo cited by WUFT-FM, Fox 13, and WKRG. The spokesperson for the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office confirmed that the responding Florida Highway Patrol trooper observed the dog’s collar appearing stuck to the fence and no ties were present.

On October 9, 2024, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol rescued the dog, who was left tied to a pole on I-75 as Hurricane Milton approached. The viral incident showed the dog in distress as floodwaters rose. After locating the owner, Garcia, he was charged with aggravated animal cruelty. However, Garcia maintained that the dog had run off during the evacuation due to fear and became aggressive in the car, leading to the chaotic situation where the dog escaped.

Despite facing initial charges, Garcia never admitted to intentionally tying the dog to the fence. In sworn depositions, he explained that he and his mother tried to chase after the dog but were unsuccessful in locating it. The spokesperson highlighted the lack of concrete evidence or witnesses to support the aggravated animal cruelty charge, leading to the decision to drop the case. Instead, a lesser charge of animal abandonment could not be substantiated.

In response to the widespread attention on the case, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Trooper’s Law in May 2025, making it a criminal offense to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during natural disasters or evacuation orders. The legislation aims to protect animals during emergencies and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Following the incident, Trooper has been adopted by a new family, as confirmed by the Leon County Humane Society, providing a happy ending to the tumultuous events surrounding the dog’s abandonment.

The advocacy for animal rights and welfare has been a key focus in this case, highlighting the importance of legislation to prevent such incidents in the future. The decision to drop the charges against Garcia underscores the complexities of animal cruelty cases and the need for thorough investigation before pursuing legal action. As Trooper finds a new loving home, the community rallies behind the cause of protecting vulnerable animals during times of crisis, promoting compassion and responsibility towards our furry companions.