TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Millions of people have met the dog “Trooper,” who gained national attention after being rescued by Florida Highway Patrol Officer Orlando Morales. A bull terrier was found tied to a fence with water up to his chest as Hurricane Milton hit Tampa.
During Tuesday’s news conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Trooper’s former owner, Giovanna Aldama Garcia, will face aggravated animal cruelty charges for abandoning the dog as it fled to safety outside Milton.
“We said you would be held accountable, and you will be held accountable,” the governor said.
Garcia said he left his dog, “Jumbo,” tied to the side of Interstate 75 because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick him up,” according to a press release from the State Attorney’s Office.
State’s Attorney Susan Lopez is handling the region where Trooper was rescued. She said the charges against Garcia carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s enough. We hope lawmakers will look into this matter and discuss changing the law to allow for tougher penalties for people who abandon animals during the state of emergency,” Lopez said.
Lopez also praised Trooper Morales for rescuing the dog before the hurricane made landfall and said her office was taking the matter seriously.
“We should protect our animals during a storm, not leave them to die,” Lopez said. “I can’t imagine that someone could just leave a helpless animal tied to a pole on the interstate when we were facing a Category 5 hurricane.”
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As for Trooper, he is currently decompressing and enjoying the spotlight at the Humane Society of Leon County’s foster home.
On Tuesday evening, the Humane Society posted a post on Facebook addressing the allegations against Trooper’s former owner.
“Our job is to find the best possible home for Trooper and the other animals in our program. We will update if there is any information to share. We trust that law enforcement will handle this side of Trooper’s story,” they wrote.
The nonprofit also said it hopes Trooper’s story will inspire people to adopt and visit local rescue organizations.
“We emphasize that there are thousands of dogs that deserve the same level of attention, care and support, and we hope that Trooper’s situation will inspire a brighter future for all dogs,” they wrote. “There may be a dog that needs you, and Trooper is more than willing to take credit for getting you together.
Although the humane society is not yet accepting adoption requests for Trooper, people who want to support him and other rescue dogs can donate to the organization on their website.
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