750-pound pet alligator seized from New York man's home

HAMBURG, NY (TND) — A New York man was forced to give up his 750-pound pet alligator after authorities determined he was keeping the reptile illegally at his home.

Environmental Conservation Police Officers seized the 11-foot alligator from a home in Hamburg on March 13, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation posted on Facebook.

"The owner of the home had built an addition to his house and installed an in-ground swimming pool for his roughly 30-year-old alligator, and allegedly allowed members of the public to get into the water to pet the unsecured alligator," officers said.

Officials added the owner previously had a DEC license for the alligator but it expired in 2021 and was not renewed.

"I'm Albert's dad, that's all there is to it," owner Tony Cavallaro told WKBW."He's like family to everybody."

Environmental Conservation officers worked with the Town of Hamburg Police and the SPCA in Erie County to seize the alligator that is suffering from "numerous health-related issues, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications," the department said.

Officers explained that the reptile was turned over to a licensed caretaker who will house and care for the animal 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 future potential charges," the department said.

In New York, owning any animal classified as a "dangerous animal" -- including alligators -- is illegal unless the owner has a Dangerous Animal License from the Department of Environmental Conservation.