Illegal Pet Alligator Seized In Upstate New York

• 750-pound alligator seized from a home in Hamburg, NY.

• Owner built an addition to house for the 30-year-old alligator.

• Alligator named Albert was allowed public interaction in a swimming pool.

In this photo provided by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC officers secure an 11-foot (3.4-meter) alligator for transport after it was seized from a home where it was being k

AP

An 11-foot, 750-pound alligator was recently seized from a home in Hamburg, upstate New York, by Environmental Conservation police officers. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shared the news on their Facebook page, revealing that the owner had built an addition to his house to accommodate the roughly 30-year-old alligator.

The owner had allowed members of the public to interact with the alligator in an in-ground swimming pool, which raised concerns about public safety. The owner, Tony Cavallaro, expressed his attachment to the alligator, named Albert, stating that he was like family to everyone.

It was discovered that Cavallaro's license to own Albert had expired in 2021, and attempts to renew it were unsuccessful. The Department of Environmental Conservation emphasized that even with a valid license, public contact with dangerous animals like alligators is strictly prohibited.

Environmental Conservation officers collaborated with local authorities and the Erie County SPCA to remove the alligator from the property. Albert was found to be suffering from various health issues, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications.

Albert is currently under the care of a licensed caretaker until arrangements can be made for his permanent relocation to a suitable facility. The Department of Environmental Conservation mentioned that further investigations and consultations with a veterinarian will determine any potential charges related to the case.

In New York, owning a dangerous animal like an alligator requires a Dangerous Animal License, which mandates proper training, experience, and facilities to ensure the safety of both the animal and the public. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the revocation of the license and relocation of the animal.

Hamburg, located in Erie County, New York, is now free from the presence of the illegal alligator, which has been removed for its well-being and the safety of the community.