Charges have been dismissed against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, who was accused of abandoning his dog during Hurricane Milton’s evacuation. According to WFLA News, the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office filed a “Nolle Prosequi” notice, ending the criminal case. Garcia had faced an aggravated animal cruelty charge under Trooper’s Law, which makes it a third-degree felony to abandon a pet during a natural disaster.
As per FOX 13 News, the case stemmed from the rescue of a dog, later named Trooper, found tied to a pole along the flood-prone I-75 corridor. Governor DeSantis introduced Trooper’s Law in response to the incident, setting penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
FOX 4 Now reported that prosecutors dropped the case because the charge required proof that the animal was tied in a place where floodwaters were rising, a condition not fully met in this instance.
Andrew Lopez from the State Attorney’s Office told WFLA that Hillsborough County takes animal cruelty cases seriously and suggested that lawmakers might consider revising penalties in the future.
Trooper has since been adopted by Frank and Carla, joining their rescued Miniature Bull Terrier, Dallas, according to the Leon County Humane Society.
