Florida man charged with abandoning dog on side of road during evacuation of Hurricane Milton

The cruel Florida dog owner who left his pooch tied to a fence in flood waters on the side of a highway as Hurricane Milton barrelled down on the Sunshine State last week has been caught.Giovanny Aldama Garcia was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony.Garcia admitted to leaving the canine, a white Bull Terrier on Interstate 75 as he raced towards Georgia ahead of the storm.The 23-year-old told officials he left his dog “Jumbo” because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up,” according to Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez.Lopez blasted Garcia’s actions and asked for politicians to help change the current laws in place.“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,” Lopez said.

“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.”A driver flagged down Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales who “diligently searched” for the dog.Morales, drove a quarter-mile south and used a portable speaker calling for the dog.When the canine was eventually found, the trembling dog growled and barked at Morales.“I don’t blame you,” the trooper according to the Tampa Bay Times.Morales parked his patrol vehicle and trudged across a soggy field next to Interstate 75, rescuing the terrified animal as the water had risen past the dog’s legs.

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Never miss a story.The pooch was brought to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health.The Le...