Update: Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, was arrested Monday on felony charges of aggravated animal cruelty. He was released on bond and the investigation is “active and ongoing.”

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that the owner of the dog now known as “Trooper,” who was left chained to a post along Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton approached, has been identified and will face prosecution for aggravated animal cruelty. The dog was rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper after being found in distress, tied to a post and standing in rising floodwaters as the storm hit.

At a press conference, DeSantis expressed his outrage over the mistreatment of the animal, stating, “You don’t just tie up a dog and leave them out there for a storm. Totally unacceptable. And we’re going to hold you accountable.” The individual responsible for abandoning Trooper could face up to five years in prison for the third-degree felony.

Trooper was rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol officer during the chaos of Hurricane Milton. The dog was visibly shaken but has since been transported to Tallahassee, where he is receiving care at the Leon County Humane Society. The dog has been renamed Trooper in honor of the officer who saved him.

Governor DeSantis further confirmed, “I’m proud to announce that the authorities have identified the dog’s former owner, and State Attorney Suzy Lopez is now pursuing animal cruelty charges against the individual. We said you’d be held accountable, and you will be held accountable.”

Trooper’s story quickly gained attention after a video of his rescue was posted online, sparking widespread social outrage. Thousands of Floridians evacuated as Hurricane Milton approached, but it seems Trooper was left behind in his owner’s evacuation plans.

DeSantis concluded by reinforcing the seriousness of the situation: “We take these things very seriously, and there will be consequences for this kind of behavior.”

Photos provided by Leon County Humane Society and Florida Highway Patrol