An incident of animal cruelty has sparked outrage after a bull terrier, now named Trooper, was found tethered to a fence beside Interstate 75 just before Hurricane Milton struck Florida. The dog was discovered partially submerged in a pool of water, trembling and growling as a Florida Highway Patrol trooper approached.
As the storm approached, calls for justice for Trooper intensified. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the situation during a news conference at the Hillsborough County Falkenburg Road Jail, where he announced the arrest of 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia, charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.
During the briefing, DeSantis praised local law enforcement for their efforts. “When this poor dog was left out there,” he stated, “we said … we’re going to nail you when we find out who did it. And that’s exactly what they’re doing here in Hillsborough County with State Attorney Suzy Lopez.”
Lopez, who owns two bulldogs, assured the public of strict consequences for the crime. “You don’t get away with doing what this man did in Hillsborough County,” she affirmed. “Not under my watch.”
Aldama Garcia was released from jail early Tuesday after posting a $2,500 cash bond. The investigation began when a call was made to the Highway Patrol on the morning the hurricane was expected to hit.
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