Florida Man Arrested for Leaving Dog in Flood

Giovanny Aldama Garcia, a 23-year-old from Ruskin, Florida, has been arrested and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty after leaving his dog tied to a fence along Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton approached. The dog, now named Trooper, was found in rising floodwaters and rescued by Florida Highway Patrol troopers following reports from concerned drivers. Garcia admitted to abandoning the dog while evacuating to Georgia, claiming he couldn't find anyone to care for it. The incident gained significant attention after a video of Trooper's rescue went viral, prompting calls for harsher penalties for such actions. Trooper is now under the care of the Leon County Humane Society and will not be returned to Garcia. If convicted, Garcia faces up to five years in prison.