Cruel Owner Who Tied Dog to Fence in Hurricane Milton Evacuation Says He Did It Because He ‘Couldn’t Find Anyone’ To Pick the Terrier Up

The cruel Florida dog owner who left his pooch tied to a fence in floodwaters on the side of a highway as Hurricane Milton barreled down on the Sunshine State last week has been caught.

Giovanny Aldama Garcia was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony.

Garcia admitted leaving the canine, a white bull terrier, on Interstate 75 as he raced toward Georgia ahead of the storm.

The 23-year-old told officials he left his dog, Jumbo, because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up,” according to Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously. This defendant is charged with a felony and could face up to five years in prison for his actions,” Lopez said. “Quite frankly, I don’t think that is enough. Hopefully, lawmakers take a look at this case and discuss changing the law to allow for harsher penalties for people who abandon their animals during a state of emergency.” (Read more from “Cruel Owner Who Tied Dog to Fence in Hurricane Milton Evacuation Says He Did It Because He ‘Couldn’t Find Anyone’ To Pick the Terrier Up” HERE)