“From Fury to Justice: Shocking Details Emerge as Man Faces Charges for Brutally Abandoning Dog in Hurricane’s Grasp”
The 23-year-old agreed to surrender ownership of the pet under the condition that his foster owner would “take good care and love the dog.”
Trooper is recovering at Leon County Humane Society, a shelter located in Tallahassee, Florida
FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please… pic.twitter.com/8cZJOfkJL2
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) October 9, 2024
Video credits: FHPTampa
“In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously,” stated Thirteenth Circuit State Attorney Suzy Lopez, who is pursuing the charges against Garcia.
“This defendant is charged with a felony and could face up to five years in prison for his actions.
“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.”
Garcia was reportedly released on bond with no attorney being listed for him on Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office inmate records.
Garcia, 23, reportedly tried to reclaim ownership of the dog after the incident
Image credits: Leon County Humane Society
Image credits: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
The dog was facing “sure death” when the trooper found him in Tampa, Lopez said at a news conference held on Tuesday (October 15) with Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The criminal investigation is active and ongoing, the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles stated on the same day.
