Man arrested, charged with felony after dog was found tied to a pole in path of Hurricane Milton

A man has been arrested and charged with a felony after his dog was found by a state trooper tied to a pole along I-75 in Tampa.

The area was in the path of Hurricane Milton, and the frightened dog was seen on video growling in fear as the officer approached.

RELATED: Florida authorities rescue dog tied to pole in path of Hurricane Milton

The dog was rescued by the state troopers and was taken to a pet resource center to be cared for.

Based on a subsequent criminal investigation, troopers secured and executed a felony arrest warrant yesterday on 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin for aggravated animal cruelty.

"Our agency is grateful for the unprecedented support of State Attorney Suzy Lopez and her prosecutors, particularly during a state of emergency," said Dave Kerner with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.