Target: State Attorney Suzy Lopez, Florida
A man has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly leaving his dog, now known as Trooper, tied up on Interstate 75 as he evacuated during Hurricane Milton. The defendant, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, reportedly left his dog “Jumbo” on the side of the road, claiming he couldn’t find anyone to take the animal.
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales received a tip about the abandoned dog and searched diligently until he found the animal tied up, with rising waters reaching its neck as Hurricane Milton approached Tampa. Thanks to Trooper Morales’ efforts, the dog was rescued and is now safe, renamed Trooper in honor of his rescuer.
Abandoning an animal during a natural disaster is a severe act of cruelty that cannot be overlooked. Such actions not only endanger the life of a defenseless animal but also strain emergency resources during critical times. It’s imperative that the legal system sends a strong message that such behavior is unacceptable by imposing the maximum penalty allowed by law.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State Attorney Lopez,
I am writing to express my support for seeking the maximum legal penalty against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, who has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after he reportedly abandoned his dog on Interstate 75 during the evacuation for Hurricane Milton. His apparent actions left the defenseless animal tied up and vulnerable as floodwaters rose, posing an imminent threat to the dog’s life.
Thanks to the heroic efforts of Trooper Orlando Morales, the dog—now aptly named Trooper—was rescued just in time. However, the deliberate abandonment of an animal during such a dangerous event is a grave offense that warrants the strictest legal consequences.
I urge your office to pursue the maximum penalty in this case to demonstrate that animal cruelty, especially under such egregious circumstances, will not be tolerated. By doing so, you will not only bring justice for Trooper but also deter others from committing similar acts in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: MTSOfan
