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Florida Highway Patrol rescued Jumbo, later renamed Trooper, near I-75 as Hurricane Milton approached on October 9, 2024. Giovanny Aldama Garcia was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, but prosecutors dropped the case in October 2025, saying they lacked sufficient evidence to prove he intentionally tied the dog in rising floodwater.
The dismissal was a prosecutorial decision, not a trial verdict resolving every disputed fact. Trooper was later adopted, and his rescue inspired Florida’s Trooper’s Law, which took effect after the incident.
What happened to the dog before Hurricane Milton?
On October 9, 2024, Florida Highway Patrol found a dog tied beside Interstate 75 near Tampa as residents evacuated ahead of Hurricane Milton. Early reports described the dog in rising floodwater. A trooper rescued him, and the dog—then known to his owner as Jumbo—was later renamed Trooper.
The Leon County Humane Society took Trooper into care, and he was later adopted. News reports described the rescue as Milton approached.
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- AIRLINE APPROVED CARRIER - With airline-approved design, you can take your pet to go to everywhere. This pet carrier provides two connecting loop handles for balanced carrying as a dual seat belt or luggage strap to secure transport
- SAFETY DESIGN - The adjustable shoulder strap help you hands-free carrying and makes it more safe and convenient pet carrier bag for your travel
- DURABLE - This cat carrier is made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric. The four-side mesh will not only give a safe and comfortable travel for your pet, but also easy for you to check on your pet
- PORTABLE & FOLDABLE - This dog carrier is easy to carry and store, which has a padded shoulder strap and handles
- BOTH SIZES AND WEIGHTS - The mediun cat carrier is designed for small and medium pets within 15" x 9" x 9"(smaller than product) and 15 lbs. Please do not choose your carrier only based on weight. Reference your pets' length and height in selecting a carrier size.If carried on board, the maximum dimensions should not exceed 18IN*11IN*11IN.
Why was Garcia arrested?
Giovanny Aldama Garcia was arrested and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty in October 2024. The arrest followed the discovery of Trooper tied near I-75 during the Milton evacuation. The allegations that supported the charge should not be treated as facts proven in court.
For coverage of the rescue, see The Associated Press.
Why was the animal-cruelty case dropped?
Prosecutors filed a notice of nolle prosequi and dropped the case in October 2025, after depositions and discovery. The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said it lacked sufficient evidence to prove Garcia intentionally tied Trooper to the fence in rising floodwater, and said it had no good-faith basis to continue the prosecution.
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The office’s explanation was: “During the deposition and discovery process in this case, we determined that we did not have sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant intentionally tied the dog to the fence in rising flood waters. While this case stirs many emotions and even ethical questions, we do not have a good-faith basis to continue this prosecution.”
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A dropped charge is not a conviction, and the case did not result in a trial verdict resolving every disputed allegation. ClickOrlando reported on the dismissal.
What happened to Trooper?
Trooper entered the care of the Leon County Humane Society after the rescue and was later adopted. Separate reporting in 2025 described medical care, including surgery to remove plastic and rubber material from his stomach; that health story is separate from the evidence and outcome in Garcia’s criminal case.
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- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or medium size dog weighing 12 - 20 pounds
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle
- Plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
What is Florida’s Trooper’s Law?
Florida’s Trooper’s Law was inspired by the rescue. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the law on May 28, 2025, and it took effect on October 1, 2025, according to the Associated Press. It postdated the 2024 rescue and the original charge. The research available for this article does not include the enacted statute’s text, so this article does not make claims about its specific provisions or penalties.
How should pet owners prepare for a hurricane evacuation?
Plan for pets before a storm threatens. Arrange a destination that accepts animals and prepare food, water, medication, identification, veterinary records, a carrier or leash, and sanitation supplies. Keep contact information current and take your pet with you when evacuating whenever possible.
Do not leave an animal outdoors or tied to a stationary object during an evacuation. If you cannot safely transport your pet, contact local emergency-management officials, animal-control authorities, shelters, veterinarians, or boarding providers before conditions deteriorate.
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- 【Dimensions】LARGE SIZE pet carrier for medium, large cats or small dogs, HIGHER AND WIDER than other carriers on market, Recommended max load of 20 lbs (9 kg). Measures: 18.1"L x 11.8"W x 11.8”H. Please don't choose the carrier only based on weight but also reference your pet's length and height.
- 【Breathable and Private】GAPZER large cat carrier designed mesh all around to ensure normal circulation of air inside the box and easy for you to check on your pet. These roller blinds can be put down if your pet feels nervous.
- 【Collapsible & Lightweight】The cat carrier can be folded into a pad to save your storage space and is easy to take out. Top and side entry.
- 【Washable Liner】The large cat carrier is made from durable fabric-oxford material, and the faux lambskin liner which offers a cozy space for your pet can be removed entirely and machine-washed.
- 【Multiple-Ways of Use】 Designed for two carrying ways-shoulder straps and handles will be adjusted as you need. Filled the soft cotton into the cat backpack shoulder strap, and increased the width on it, helping to reduce load and relieve fatigue.
Timeline of the case
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| October 9, 2024 | Florida Highway Patrol rescued a dog tied near I-75 by Tampa as Hurricane Milton approached. |
| October 2024 | Giovanny Aldama Garcia was arrested and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty. |
| 2025 | Trooper was adopted. Separate reporting described medical care for him. |
| May 28, 2025 | Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Trooper’s Law, inspired by the rescue. |
| October 1, 2025 | Trooper’s Law took effect. |
| October 2025 | Prosecutors dropped Garcia’s case, saying they lacked sufficient evidence to prove he intentionally tied Trooper in rising floodwater. |
FAQ
Was Garcia convicted of abandoning the dog?
No. Garcia was charged in October 2024, but prosecutors dropped the case in October 2025. The State Attorney’s Office said it lacked sufficient evidence to prove he intentionally tied Trooper to the fence in rising floodwater.
What was the rescued dog’s name?
The dog was known to his owner as Jumbo and was later renamed Trooper.
What happened to Trooper after the rescue?
The Leon County Humane Society took him into care, and he was later adopted.
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- The large pet carrier is only suitable for daily travel, car seat journey and pet hospital etc. Do not place it under an airplane seat
- The adjustable shoulder strap help you hands-free carrying and makes it the most safe and convenient pet carrier bag for your travel
- The four-side mesh will not only give a safe and comfortable travel for your pet, but also easy for you to check on your pet
- This dog carrier is easy to carry and store, which has a padded shoulder strap and handles
- The large cat carrier is designed for small and medium pets within 18" x 12" x 12"(smaller than product) and 25 lbs. Please do not choose your carrier only based on weight. Reference your pets' length and height in selecting a carrier size.
When did Florida’s Trooper’s Law take effect?
It took effect on October 1, 2025. The law postdated Trooper’s 2024 rescue and Garcia’s original charge.
The Bottom Line
Florida Highway Patrol rescued Trooper near I-75 before Hurricane Milton, and Garcia was arrested and charged in 2024. Prosecutors dropped the case in October 2025, explaining that they lacked sufficient evidence to prove he intentionally tied the dog in rising floodwater. Trooper was later adopted, and his rescue inspired a Florida law that took effect after the incident.
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