TAMPA, Fla. – Charges have been dropped against a Hillsborough County man who was accused of leaving a dog tied up as Hurricane Milton approached the area last year, leaving his new owner upset.
What You Need To Know
Charges have been dropped against a Hillsborough County man who was accused of leaving a dog tied up as Hurricane Milton approached
Trooper’s new owner, Frank Spina, said he is “disgusted” to learn that the charges have been dropped
The charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence
“Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation
The dog, “Trooper,” was found attached to a fence in rising floodwaters while Hurricane Milton approached last year. A new family later adopted Trooper.
Trooper dealt with some health issues within the past year but is now doing “fantastic”, Trooper’s owner, Frank Spina, said.
Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin was facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty after he admitted to leaving his dog on the side of the road. The charges were dropped after State Attorney Suzy Lopez’s office said that there is not enough evidence to prove that Trooper was intentionally tied to the fence.
Frank Spina adopted Trooper after the storm. (Spectrum News)
Spina told Spectrum News he was “disgusted” to hear that the charges had been dropped.
“To find out a year later that they’re going to withdraw the charges because they lack evidence? There’s clearly something wrong with this picture,” he said.
A spokesperson said that the FHP trooper who found the dog recently said during the deposition process that he found the dog stuck to the fence by its collar.
With nothing found at the scene, like a rope or chain, that Trooper would’ve been tied up with, the office could not legally move forward with the case.
As a result of Trooper being abandoned during the storm, “Trooper’s Law” was made. “Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation.