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Ruskin, FL - Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin, has had charges dropped in connection with allegedly abandoning his dog, Trooper, during Hurricane Milton.
Prosecutors filed a nolle prosequi, ending the criminal case due to insufficient evidence to prove aggravated animal cruelty.
Garcia was initially charged with a third-degree felony after the dog was found tied to a fence along Interstate 75 in rising floodwaters.
Video captured by a Florida Highway Patrol officer showed Trooper in distress, and a bystander had reported seeing a dog tied to a fence.
Garcia told authorities that the dog, referred to as Jumbo, became aggressive during the evacuation.
He and his mother stated that when they stopped the car to manage the situation, the dog jumped out and became loose.
The State Attorney’s Office concluded that there was no evidence to prove Garcia intentionally left the dog in danger.
A memo noted there were no witnesses to the events prior to the dog being found on the roadside, aside from Garcia and his mother.
Investigators could not refute their account, and the available evidence did not meet the burden required for a conviction.
Although the case was dismissed, Trooper’s situation inspired legislative action.
Florida lawmakers passed “Trooper’s Law,” making it a third-degree felony to restrain or abandon a pet during a declared natural disaster or evacuation order.
Penalties for violations include up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Trooper was rescued by a highway patrol officer, later adopted by a family in Parkland, and is reported to be healthy and well-adjusted.