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.
According to documents, charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. The charges against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, of Ruskin, were dropped this week.
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
Charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. The charges against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, of Ruskin, were dropped this week
“Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation
He was facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty after he admitted to leaving his dog on the side of the road.
Florida State Highway Patrol troopers found the dog near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and I-75 hours before the storm hit.
Garcia said he was driving to Georgia to escape the hurricane but left “Jumbo” behind because he couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.
The dog was later adopted by a new family and named “Trooper.”
The incident spurred new legislation to protect animals.
“Trooper’s Law” makes it a third-degree felony for anyone to restrain or abandon a dog during a declared disaster or evacuation.
On the charges being dropped against Garcia, the State Attorney’s Office released the following statement:
During the deposition and discovery process in this case, we determined that we did not have sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant intentionally tied the dog to the fence in rising flood waters. While this case stirs many emotions and even ethical questions, we do not have a good-faith basis to continue this prosecution. While it was initially reported that the dog was tied to the fence with a rope, we have insufficient evidence to support that allegation. As a result, we cannot meet our burden of proving aggravated animal cruelty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Despite this outcome regarding the prosecution, Trooper the dog and his story has led to real, positive change. Trooper has a loving new home, and “Trooper’s Law” now makes it a felony to abandon a restrained animal during a natural disaster. We will always stand up for our community’s most vulnerable victims including children, the elderly, and animals.