TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— Charges have been dropped for a man who left his dog tied up on the side of the road while evacuating for Hurricane Milton.

According to court documents, charges against Giovanny Aldama Garcia, of Ruskin, were dropped this week.

Prosecutors entered a "Nolle Prosequi" document, ending the criminal case.

Trooper was found tied to a pole during Hurricane Milton off the side of the highway near Bruce B Downs Boulevard, with water rising above his legs.

Garcia was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a third-degree felony, after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Trooper's Law into effect.

Trooper's Law will make it a third-degree felony to abandon a pet ahead of a natural disaster. Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

According to the State

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