Do you remember back in December 2024, in Wesley Chapel, Florida, when Florida Highway Patrol troopers rescued a dog tied up on the side of Interstate 75 Wednesday morning standing in water up to his chest? According to numerous viral videos, the trooper slowly approached the dog who growled and barked at the officer.
Officers were able to calm the dog down and brought him to a veterinarian where he was examined and determined to be healthy. The dog, named Trooper was transferred to the care of the Leon County Humane Society located in Tallahassee, Florida. He was picked up a few days later from the Department of Emergency Services after having been contacted by the Governor’s office.
The dog’s former owner was charged, and the case also led to legislation signed into law by Governor DeSantis enhancing penalties on people who abandon their pets during natural disasters.
Yet, on Wednesday, animal advocates were shocked and gravely disappointed when criminal charges were dropped against Trooper’s 24-year-old owner, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 24, of Ruskin, Florida, who had been facing a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty. The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office, led by Susan Lopez, suddenly dropped the case this week.
The “nolle prosequi” notice is filed when there is a lack of evidence or eyewitnesses. The state attorney’s office stated the body camera footage and statements in evidence did not support the theory that the dog was attached to the fence intentionally.
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 floodwaters.
While this case stirs many emotions and even ethical questions, we do not have a good-faith basis to continue this prosecution. While it was initially reported that the dog was tied to the fence with a rope, we have insufficient evidence to support that allegation. As a result, we cannot meet our burden of proving aggravated animal cruelty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trooper was adopted by Carla and Frank Spina. Four weeks after adopting Trooper, his owners discovered two dime size lumps on his left side, which turned out to be cancer. After a successful surgery, x rays revealed some material in his stomach. Days later, Trooper threw up a piece of rubber and after a trip to the vet it was determined he needed endoscopy surgery which lasted 4 1/2 hours. Two pounds of trash had been removed from his stomach.
Frank Spina posted the following on social media expressing his disappointment:
As a criminal trial attorney with 37 years experience in 3 States, it’s just another example of politics over victim rights. Troopers case is a national story and the fear of losing it on a national stage, and its political fallout, was enough to throw Trooper under the bus. Once again, politics over people, politics over victims. I am sickened by their cowardice, as you can tell, as is the 10’s of thousands on the internet expressing their distain.
Just wanted to update you.
Best regards, Frank Spina
Although animal advocates are disappointed with the outcome of Trooper’s case for justice, perhaps we can at least take solace that Trooper has a loving new home. In addition, “Trooper’s Law” makes it a felony to abandon a restrained animal during a natural disaster.
Read previous coverage here.
(Photos via Frank and Carla Spina and humane society photos)
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