New York officials seize 11-foot-long alligator from owner who let children play with it
Tony Cavallaro had been keeping Albert on an expired permit in an in-ground pool in his backyard
March 17, 2024
Earlier this week, a 750-pound, 11-foot-long alligator named Albert was seized from a New York home, resulting in a confrontation between the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the reptile's owner, the Daily Beast reported.
Albert's owner, Tony Cavallaro had been keeping the 30-year-old alligator on an expired permit in an in-ground pool in his backyard.
Cavallaro allegedly allowed members of the public "to get into the water to pet the unsecured alligator," according to the department.
Besides that, Albert has multiple health problems, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications, officials said.
According to the DEC guidelines, public contact with such an animal is prohibited.
The old, scaly reptile has been remanded to a licensed caretaker until it can find a permanent home.
According to CBS News, Cavallaro treated Albert like he was his child.
"I'm not dangerous. I'm not being unsafe with people,” he said.
Meanwhile, New York environmental officials have yet to decide whether they will press charges.
