TAMPA, Fla. – In a surprising turn of events, the charges against a Florida pet owner, who was accused of abandoning a dog tied to a fence along Interstate 75 during the chaos of Hurricane Milton last year, have been officially dropped. This development comes as revealed by recent court records.

Giovanny Aldama Garcia found himself at the center of a legal storm after being arrested in October 2024. The arrest followed the distressing discovery by Florida troopers of a dog, now affectionately referred to as “Trooper,” tethered to a fence and standing in nearly chest-deep water near Tampa.

Initially, Garcia faced charges of aggravated animal cruelty. However, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office decided to drop these charges after a thorough review of the case. The office released a statement explaining, “During our deposition and discovery process, we concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the defendant deliberately tied the dog in rising floodwaters. Although the case evokes strong emotions and ethical considerations, we lack a good-faith basis to continue prosecution.”

The statement further noted, “While initial reports suggested the dog was tied with a rope, we don’t have enough evidence to substantiate this claim. Consequently, we cannot meet the legal burden of proving aggravated animal cruelty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

This case has gained additional significance due to new legislation. In May, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB-150 into law, dubbed “Trooper’s Law.” This legislation makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during declared natural disasters or when evacuation orders, whether mandatory or voluntary, are in effect.

[WATCH BELOW: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bills increasing animal abuse penalties]

Trooper the dog was later adopted in December 2024 by couple Frank and Carla, according to the Leon County Humane Society, who were looking for a companion for their other dog, Dallas.

“The moment Trooper and Dallas’ eyes met; it was love at first sight. We thought he’d liked Frank and Carla, but when Dallas walked through the gate, we were worried Trooper’s tail wagging would helicopter him out of the backyard. They ran up to each other and pressed foreheads, tails wagging furiously,” the humane society wrote in a social media update.