GOOD: DeSantis Announces Arrest! (Video)

Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis points forward at podium.

(RightIsRight.co) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took swift action against animal cruelty as he announced the arrest of a man who heartlessly abandoned his dog during Hurricane Milton.

See the video below.

This case of blatant disregard for animal safety has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for harsher penalties against those who neglect their pets during emergencies.

23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia from Ruskin, Florida, now faces serious consequences for his cruel actions.

Garcia chained his bull terrier, initially named “Jumbo,” to a post on Interstate-75 in Tampa as Hurricane Milton approached, leaving the helpless animal to face rising floodwaters alone.

The dog’s situation became clear when Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales captured a heart-wrenching video of the animal in distress.

Morales heroically rescued the dog, now aptly renamed “Trooper,” from certain death. The video quickly went viral, sparking widespread concern and anger among animal lovers and patriots alike.

Known for his tough stance on law and order, DeSantis did not mince words when addressing the situation.

“We said you’d be held accountable, and you will be held accountable,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the vulnerable and upholding Florida’s values.

“We should be protecting our pets during a storm not leaving them for dead,” State Attorney Susan Lopez said. “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.

She added, “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.”

Moreover, Garcia’s weak excuse for his despicable actions only highlights the need for stricter animal protection laws. According to the State Attorney’s Office, he claimed he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up. ”

This flimsy justification for abandoning the defenseless animal to die has rightfully earned him a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony in Florida.

In addition, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dave Kerner provided more details on the case:

“On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, a dog, now known as Trooper, was found abandoned in flood waters up to his chest on Interstate-75 in Tampa while many residents were evacuating before Hurricane Milton. Based upon a subsequent criminal investigation, State Troopers secured and executed a felony arrest warrant yesterday on Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, Florida, for aggravated animal cruelty.”

“Our agency is grateful for the unprecedented support of State Attorney Suzy Lopez and her prosecutors, particularly during a state of emergency. The criminal investigation is active and ongoing and additional information is unavailable at this time,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, this incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about animal welfare and the need for tougher laws to protect furry friends.

As Trooper recovers in the care of the Leon County Humane Society, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for communities to come together during times of crisis.

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