Sign: Hold Florida Cat Killer Accountable For Evil Acts Causing Extreme Suffering

Published: September 20, 2023 at 03:49 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

Hillsborough County, FL – A Florida man is accused of shooting multiple cats in a Town ‘N’ Country community with a pellet gun. The shootings resulted in multiple deaths and caused immense suffering to innocent cats who were doing nothing deserving of the man’s wrath.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has identified Osvaldo Aloma Garrido, 65, as the man responsible for harming cats living in the Three Lakes Mobile Home Park community.

Seven defenseless cats were shot in the community; one cat had to have a leg amputated, and three cats suffered fatal injuries.

The shootings took place in late 2022, and these heinous acts of cruelty were brought to the attention of Animal Victory earlier this week by a Florida attorney who is disgusted by Garrido’s appalling acts.

“I wish to draw your attention to an upcoming felony trial of (redacted), Osvaldo Aloma Garrido, in Hillsborough 22-CF-016183. This monster lived in a mobile home community and started shooting the community cats in the neighborhood with a pellet rifle, Killing and severely maiming several of them. Unfortunately, due to evidence limitations, this monster was only charged with maiming one of the cats. Would your organization be willing to help spread the word? This case is more egregious than the Jaimes case in the sheer number of cats killed and injured. Would you be willing to help?”

The local authorities are also disgusted by Garrido’s actions.

In a press release, Sheriff Chad Chronister said:

“I will not tolerate any act of animal cruelty in our county. The suspect had no regard for the animals he injured and admitted to firing shots on various occasions. It’s disheartening to know that there are individuals who intentionally harm animals. We will not condone violence against any animal and we will continue to make sure that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.”

Kathryn Barnes, a resident who helps care for the homeless cats in the community, expressed dismay, telling Fox 13, “What kind of person does this to an animal?”

Barnes is heartbroken by the sheer number of cats this man has maimed:

“It breaks my heart. I want to cry, but I can’t cry anymore, but there is no point. It’s senseless to even think that with so many cats being hurt, it has become a blur of cats that have died or are injured.”

Evidence limitations resulted in this man being charged for maiming just ONE of the cats he shot; he is charged with one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals With a Weapon, and his trial is set for October 17, 2023. Please add your name to the petition to help put Garrido behind bars for as long as possible! He absolutely MUST be held accountable for his barbaric acts of cruelty.

We the undersigned demand that Osvaldo Aloma Garrido face the maximum punishment for any charges stemming from shooting numerous cats in the 3 Lakes Mobile Home community. Garrido clearly had no regard for the lives of these innocent cats and he must be held accountable for the pain and suffering he inflicted on them. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for the maximum penalty allowed by law in the case of the STATE OF FLORIDA -VS- OSVALDO ALOMA GARRIDO.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News

Press Release

Fox 13 News

Fox 13 News (prior coverage)

Final Update: 7/8/2025: Animal Victory is disappointed to learn that, because Garrido participated in a Pre-trial intervention program, the case was formally dismissed on July 7, 2025. Case 22-CF-016183-A Garrido Case (1)

Thank you to everyone who signed this petition. We can only hope he won’t do this again.

“Nolle prosequi” fundamentally differs from a guilty verdict in both legal implications and procedural outcomes. When a prosecutor files a nolle prosequi, it indicates a decision to discontinue a case, often due to insufficient evidence or the unavailability of witnesses. Unlike a guilty verdict, which results from a trial or plea and involves a judicial determination of guilt, a nolle prosequi does not require an admission of guilt or a judicial finding against the defendant.

A guilty verdict results in a formal conviction, which may lead to penalties such as sentencing, fines, or imprisonment, and leaves a lasting mark on the defendant’s criminal record. In contrast, nolle prosequi is not a conviction and carries no legal penalties. The absence of a sentence shields the defendant from the collateral consequences typically associated with a guilty verdict.

Procedurally, a guilty verdict requires a trial or plea agreement, while nolle prosequi is a prosecutorial decision entered into the court record. This distinction highlights the different ways the legal system treats these outcomes.

Update 4/29/2025: On 09/04/2024, Garrido was sentenced to a Pre-Trial Intervention Program.

In Florida, the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program is a diversion program that provides first-time offenders with the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction by completing a program of treatment, supervision, and other conditions in place of going to trial. The program’s goal is to divert individuals from the criminal justice system, potentially reducing court workload and providing a second chance for responsible citizenship. Eligibility and Requirements:

First-time offenders: PTI is generally available to first-time offenders charged with certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.
Restricted to specific offenses: Certain offenses, like traffic violations and some more serious felonies, are not eligible for PTI.
No prior felony convictions: Generally, individuals with prior felony convictions are not eligible for PTI.
State Attorney approval: The State Attorney’s Office must approve the case for PTI.
Defendant’s agreement: The defendant must voluntarily agree to participate in PTI and waive their right to a speedy trial.
Conditions of PTI: Participants must adhere to specific terms and conditions, which may include:
Paying supervision fees, restitution, and other penalties.
Reporting to a supervision officer.
Undergoing drug testing.
Completing community service.
Participating in counseling or treatment.
Successful completion: If the participant completes the PTI program, the charges will be dismissed.

Update 3/25/2024: Animal Victory sent a petition to the judge and DA with additional signatures. 

Update 3/18/2024: Pre-trial is scheduled for 04/16/2024 at 9:00 AM in Courtroom 18, 401 North Jefferson, Tampa, FL. The jury trial is scheduled for 4/23/2024 at 8:00, Courtroom 18, 401 North Jefferson. There are to be no more continuances in this case—judicial officer: Barbara Twine Thomas.

Update 10/19/2023: Case #22-CF-016183 – Pre-Trial Rescheduled to 02-06-2024 Courtroom 18, 9:00 AM E.S.T. 401 N. Jefferson Street, Tampa, FL. 33602. Jury Trial Rescheduled to 02-13-2024, 8:00 AM. E.S.T., 401 North Jefferson Street, Tampa, FL. 33602. The petition has been sent to the attorney and judge. 

Prior signatures: 16,895