A community in western New York is rallying behind a man who kept a 340-kilogram alligator in a pool inside his house.
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The 34-year-old reptile was seized last Wednesday (13) at the house in Hamburg, New York, which was adorned with an underground pool that resembled a lake.
The enormous alligator had several health issues, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications when it was removed from the house, according to authorities.
The owner’s state license to keep the alligator expired in 2021. At the time, the state determined that the alligator’s enclosure did not meet safety standards.
Officials took action this week after learning to what extent the owner was seriously endangering the public. The owner “allegedly allowed the public to enter the water to pet the alligator,” according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
“Even though the owner was properly licensed, contact of the animal with the public is prohibited and is cause for license revocation and animal relocation,” the NYSDEC told The New York Post.
Owning an alligator as a pet, however, is also prohibited by New York state law. Nevertheless, the alligator’s owner is already fighting against the seizure of his beloved pet, named Albert, who has been with him for 34 years.
“The DEC and SPCA took Albert away from me claiming that I was putting people in danger with him. Anyone who has met Albert or knows Albert knows this isn’t true. I’ve taken care of him better than most people take care of their kids,” wrote Tony Cavallaro in an online petition.
Cavallaro also accused the DEC of aggressively seizing Albert, despite his claim that his only crime was an expired license. “They also brought at least 20 or more agents to my house with […] guns, treating me like a criminal,” Cavallaro continued.
Cavallaro received strong support from the community on social media, with dozens of friends attesting to the love and care Albert received at the Hamburg home. Many added that Albert was a gentle alligator who posed no threat to the people and children he swam with.
Since then, Albert has been handed over to a licensed caregiver until a permanent care facility can be found for him, according to the DEC. State environmental authorities have not yet decided whether they will file a complaint against Cavallaro.
