Dog owner left tied to pole outside Milton to face animal cruelty charges

TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the owners of a dog that was rescued after it was tied to a pole in neck-deep water in the path of Hurricane Milton have been identified and will face animal cruelty charges.

During a Tuesday afternoon news conference, the governor announced he was joined by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, State’s Attorney Suzy Lopez and numerous other law enforcement agencies.

The owners of dogs left tied to a pole on a road in Milton will be charged with animal cruelty

When Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales first rescued a dog, it sparked an immediate reaction of shock and heartbreak online. The video shows the dog’s terror when the policeman tried to free it.

“Okay, buddy. I don’t blame you,” Soldier Morales’ voice can be heard on the recording, trying to reassure the animal that he was there to save it.

State’s Attorney Lopez said her office is currently prosecuting the dog’s owner on aggravated animal cruelty charges. The offenses committed are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

In a news release, the state attorney’s office said the dog’s owner, Giovanna Aldama Garcia, told investigators he was going to Georgia to escape the hurricane but left the dog, “Jumbo,” on the side of the road because he couldn’t find anyone to pick. up dog.

DeSantis said the dog is currently in Tallahassee and will soon be adopted with a new name, Trooper, after the soldier who saved the dog just before the worst of Hurricane Milton.

“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously. The perpetrator was charged with a crime and faces up to 5 years in prison for his actions. Honestly, I don’t think that’s enough. We hope lawmakers will review this matter and discuss changing the law to allow for tougher penalties for people who abandon animals during the state of emergency,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said in a statement.