HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County State Attorney has dropped charges against a man accused of leaving a dog on the side of the road during Hurricane Milton evacuations.
On Oct. 9, 2024, the Florida Highway Patrol posted video on social media of a dog tied to a fence on I-75 near Bruce B. Downs during evacuations from Milton. The video immediately gained local, state and national attention.
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
Days after the video was posted on Oct. 15, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the owner of the dog was identified and would face criminal charges.
In May, Governor DeSantis signed Trooper's Law inspired by the dog and would make it a third-degree felony to restrain or abandon a dog outside during an emergency or evacuation order. Violators of the law may be imprisoned for up to five years and face a fine of up to $10,000.
MORE: Dog left tied to pole in the path of Hurricane Milton has forever home
Court records from the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court show the State Attorney dropped charges on Oct. 15.
Giovanny Aldama Garcia by ABC Action News
The Hillsborough County State Attorney in a statement said:
"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. 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.
Despite this outcome regarding the prosecution, Trooper the dog and his story has led to real, positive change. Trooper has a loving new home, and “Trooper’s Law” now makes it a felony to abandon a restrained animal during a natural disaster. We will always stand up for our community’s most vulnerable victims including children, the elderly, and animals."
Full memo provided by Hillsborough County State Attorney's office:
Memo to File Trooper by ABC Action News
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