Man accused of abandoning dog during hurricane cleared
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Man Cleared After Being Accused of Abandoning Dog During Hurricane Milton
TAMPA, FL — The man once accused of abandoning his dog during Hurricane Milton has been cleared of all charges, according to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors announced that they dropped the aggravated animal cruelty charge against Giovanny Garcia, saying the evidence did not support the allegation that he intentionally left his dog to die during the 2024 storm.
The case gained national attention last year when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper found a bull terrier—later named Trooper—standing alone in floodwaters along I-75 as Hurricane Milton battered the Gulf Coast. The dog was rescued and eventually adopted, becoming the inspiration behind “Trooper’s Law,” new legislation that makes it a felony to abandon a restrained animal during a natural disaster.
Prosecutors Drop the Case
The 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office said that after reviewing all available evidence—including body-camera footage and witness statements—they could not meet the legal burden required to prove intentional cruelty.
“During the discovery process, we determined there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant intentionally tied the dog to the fence in rising floodwaters,” the office stated. “While this case stirs many emotions, we do not have a good-faith basis to continue the prosecution.”
According to their memo, early reports that the dog had been tied to a fence with a rope could not be confirmed. The footage showed the dog’s collar snagged on the fence but no evidence of intentional restraint.
What Really Happened
Investigators say Garcia and his mother were the only witnesses to the events leading up to Trooper being left behind. Both told authorities that the dog became panicked and aggressive during the hurricane evacuation. At one point, when the car stopped, the animal reportedly bolted and could not be recovered in the storm.
Defense attorney and legal analyst Anthony Rickman, who is not connected to the case, said the evidence supports that version of events.
“When you look at the video, you don’t see any rope or chain—just the dog’s collar caught on the fence,” Rickman explained. “There wasn’t enough to show he intentionally put the dog there. Negligent, maybe—but not criminal.”
Broader Impact
The case initially sparked widespread outrage and drew attention from animal rights advocates nationwide. In response, state lawmakers passed Trooper’s Law, which President Trump later praised as an example of strong animal protection policy. The law increases penalties for anyone who abandons a restrained pet during declared natural disasters.
Despite the controversy, officials say something positive emerged from the ordeal: Trooper now lives in a safe, loving home, and his story inspired legal changes that will help protect other animals in future emergencies.
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