Trooper’s animal Cruelty leads FHP to arrest Giovanny Garcia

By Carol A. Gasser Moore

FLORIDA – Giovanny Aldama Garcia (23) of Hillsborough County, Florida has been arrested on aggravated animal cruelty charges.  The Florida man is reported to have failed to evacuate his dog, a Bull Terrier now called “Trooper”.  Instead Garcia chose to tie up the dog to a fence and leave him as Garcia left ahead of Hurricane Milton which carries a felony charge.

The Hillsborough County District Attorney (D.A.) has confirmed Garcia’s arrest on the felony charge.  Garcia was arrested on Monday, October 14, according to information from D.A. Suzy Lopez.  The charge carries both a possible fine of $5,000 as well as a possible 5-year sentence.

According to the D.A., Garcia has admitted that he left his Bull Terror instead of evacuating him.  Originally Garcia called the dog “Jumbo”, but the pet has since been renamed “Trooper” in honor of the FHP (Florida Highway Patrol) who spotted and rescued him. Once the trooper was  informed of the animal’s plight, he located and risked his own safety to help the scared animal.

The excuse that Garcia has given for his choice of action is that he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.”

The endangered animal was found along I-75 near the Bruce B Downs Boulevard in Florida.  According to the Leon County Humane Society, they have taken custody of the dog ensuring his care and safety.

The Hillsborough County D.A. has denounced Garcia’s action and reminds the public that animal cruelty is taken very seriously.