Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday said the owner of an abandoned dog now known as "Trooper," who captured hearts during Hurricane Milton, was identified and will face prosecution for aggravated animal cruelty.
The former owner of the dog -- identified by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, Florida. He will be charged with aggravated animal cruelty, which is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. According to the State Attorney’s Office, Garcia told police he abandoned his dog “Jumbo” while on his way to Georgia because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.” Garcia reportedly showed up at the Hillsborough County Animal Shelter on Friday and showed pictures of the dog to claim ownership, according to an affidavit from the Florida Highway Patrol. Garcia’s information was passed on to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, where the dog was taken.
Garcia said that if the foster would take care of the dog and love it, he would surrender ownership, according to the affidavit.
Surrender... that dog no longer belongs to you! You have no right owning a dog ever again!
If you missed the original heartbreaking video of when the FHP Troopers spotted and rescued him, here is the video :(