23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony, after he was arrested on Monday

A heartless dog owner who tied his pet to a fence in floodwaters while he fled Hurricane Milton claims he “couldn’t find anyone” to pick up the terrified terrier.

Giovanny Aldama Garcia was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony after he was arrested on Monday. Garcia admitted he dumped the white bull terrier on Interstate 75 as he fled Florida and headed towards Georgia.

The 23-year-old told cops he abandoned his dog, Jumbo, because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up,” according to Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez, who criticized his actions.

In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously. This defendant is charged with a felony and could face up to five years in prison for his actions, Lopez said. Quite frankly, I dont 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.

It was previously reported that a Florida police officer, who was trying to get as many residents to safety as possible, engaged in a daring rescue when someone informed him of the terrified dog. The footage shows the officer getting out of his patrol vehicle in increasingly dangerous conditions and making his way to the dog, who looked wet, tired and miserable.

Sitting in a puddle of water, the viral footage has officers attempting to soothe the pup. “It’s ok buddy, it’s ok, it’s ok,” one officer said while approaching the dog. “I don’t blame you,” the officer added when the bull terrier let out several barks. The dog was brought to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and given the all-clear.

Florida Govenor Ron DeSantis called out Garcia’s unacceptable actions as he evacuated the storm and dumped his dog.

When this poor dog was left out there, DeSantis said, we said  were going to nail you when we find out who did it. And thats exactly what theyre doing here in Hillsborough County with State Attorney Lopez. You dont just tie up a dog and have them out there for a storm. Totally unacceptable, and were going to hold you accountable, DeSantis said at a news conference Tuesday.

Garcia faces up to five years in prison for the felony and will not get the dog returned to him.