750-pound alligator seized from NY home after reportedly being allowed to swim with kids
NEW YORK, United States — A New York community is reportedly rallying behind a man who kept an ailing 11-foot, 750-pound alligator in a pool inside his home — where children were invited to swim with the reptile.
According to a report from the New York Post, the 34-year-old alligator was seized from its residence on Wednesday.
The massive gator reportedly had numerous health-related issues, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications when he was removed from the home, according to officials.
The owner’s state license to keep the alligator reportedly expired in 2021. At that time, the state determined that the alligator’s holding area failed to meet safety standards. Officers reportedly took action on Wednesday after learning the “extent at which the owner was seriously endangering the public.”
The pet owner, according to the New York Post, is already fighting back against the seizure of his pet “Albert.”
“As everyone has probably already heard, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and SPCA took Albert away from me saying that I put people in harm’s way with him. Everyone who has met Albert or knows Albert knows that this is not true,” self-identified owner Tony Cavallaro wrote in an online petition. “I took care of him better than most people take care of their kids.”
Cavallaro, who claimed he tried to renew his permit, said he was repeatedly ignored by the DEC. He also reportedly accused the DEC of aggressively seizing Albert.
“They also brought at least 20 or more agents to my house in full body armour and guns, treating me like a criminal. It was like I was a gun dealing, drug dealing criminal the way they acted,” Cavallaro said.
“The scene that they made on my street is very disturbing and totally wrong. I am very upset and angry about this whole incident!”
The New York Post says State environmental officials haven’t decided whether to bring charges against Cavallaro. Albert has since been turned over to a licensed caretaker until a place is found where he can receive permanent care.
