Authorities take 750-pound alligator from upstate New York home

Authorities removed a 750-pound alligator from a home in upstate New York last week, authorities announced Friday.

The New York State Department of Environmental Protection writes: in a Facebook post Authorities announced on March 13 that they had seized a 750-pound alligator from a private residence in Hamburg, New York. The department noted that the individual had an alligator license, but it had expired in 2021.

According to the police, the man is suspected of having built an extension on his home, installed an underground pool for the 30-year-old crocodile, and allowed members of the public to enter the water to pet the crocodile without ensuring its safety. There is.” The crocodile has “a number of health issues,” including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications, the department added.

“Authorities have turned over the alligator to a licensed caretaker to house and care for it until it can be properly transported for permanent care. Analysis of additional evidence seized during the warrant and “Consultation with a licensed veterinarian will determine any potential charges in the future,” the department wrote in the post.

CNN affiliate station WKBW Tony Cavallaro was the alligator’s owner and someone reported that he had the alligator. started a petition In his place, to retrieve a crocodile named Albert. According to an online petition, Cavallaro said she wanted protection for the crocodile restored and said the department had changed the rules regarding permits.

“I’ve had him for 34 years, and I’ve complied with all of them, renewing my permit every year as needed. I tried renewing it when the rules changed and I had questions I wanted to ask.” They ignored my emails and phone calls to check if I did everything correctly even though I should be accepted as a grandfather.If they presented me, I would have a court date. ,” he said, according to the petition.

The department also said it worked with the Hamburg Police Department and the Erie County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to seize the alligator.

The Hill has reached out to the station and Cavallaro for comment.