Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced that the former owner of a dog found chained to a pole before Hurricane Milton, would be charged with “animal cruelty.” Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, DeSantis stated that State Attorney Susan Lopez would be pursuing “animal cruelty charges” against the previous owner. The dog was rescued by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers.
The former owner, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, faces a charge of “aggravated animal cruelty,” which is a third-degree felony. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. Garcia admitted to police that he left his dog because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.
We said at the time, you don’t just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm,” DeSantis stated. Totally unacceptable and we’re going to hold you accountable. Well, I’m proud to announce that the authorities have identified the dog’s former owners, and State Attorney Suzy Lopez is now pursuing animal cruelty charges against the individual.
Garcia reportedly chose “that it would somehow be a good thing to take his dog and chain it to a post on the interstate” ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. Florida Highway Patrol officers rescued the dog, which is now in Tallahassee and will be renamed Trooper.