Garcia faces up to five years in prison after a male bull terrier was rescued by highway patrol troopers on Interstate 75 in Tampa on October 9, Sky News reports.
A 23-year-old man identified as Giovanny Aldama Garcia from Ruskin, Florida, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after a widely circulated video showed a dog he tied on a fence and abandoned ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Garcia faces up to five years in prison after a male bull terrier was rescued by highway patrol troopers on Interstate 75 in Tampa on October 9, Sky News reports.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) released footage of the dog, which was found tied to a fence and standing in water as evacuations began hours before the hurricane made landfall.
The dog reportedly appeared distressed and began barking when approached by an FHP trooper.
Thirteenth Circuit State Attorney Suzy Lopez, stated that the bull terrier was facing "sure death" when rescued, according to NBC News.
After the rescue, the dog was taken to a vet and found to be healthy. Named Trooper, the dog is now safe and will not be returned to Garcia.
The former owner, who fled to Georgia ahead of the storm, told investigators he abandoned the dog because he "couldn't find anyone to pick it up."
He later attempted to reclaim the dog at the Hillsborough County Animal Shelter.
Garcia indicated that he would relinquish ownership if the new owner promised to care for and love the dog.
Lopez emphasised the seriousness of animal cruelty in Hillsborough County, stating, "This defendant is charged with a felony and could face up to five years in prison for his actions."
She expressed her belief that this penalty is insufficient and hopes for legislative changes to impose harsher penalties on those who abandon animals during emergencies.
Garcia was released after posting bail, as recorded by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Dave Kerner, executive director of the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, noted that the investigation is still ongoing.