On October 9, the Highway Patrol rescued the animal close to a Florida highway.
The dog was shown standing next to a wire fence in water up to his chest in bodycam footage that was uploaded online and has received over 12 million views.
The highway safety body of the state government said that Giovanny Aldama Garcia, his former owner, was taken into custody on Monday.
He allegedly admitted to investigators that he had left the animal, who was formerly named Jumbo, behind since he was fleeing Florida because of the storm and had no one to take care of him.
After showing up at the animal shelter where the dog was being cared for to attempt to claim him, Mr. Aldama Garcia subsequently consented to give up ownership, according to News.
If convicted of animal cruelty, the 23-year-old may spend up to five years behind bars.
Jumbo, who has been nicknamed Trooper in honor of the Highway Patrol trooper who saved him, will be adopted, according to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
It is completely wrong to simply tie up a dog and leave them outside for a storm.On Tuesday, DeSantis gave a news briefing.
