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Hamburg man who owned Albert the Alligator is now suing New York State months after DEC seized reptile

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Months after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation seized an alligator from a Hamburg home, the owner of that reptile is now taking legal action.

Tony and Albert
Tony Cavallaro has been emotional after his 34-year-old alligator was seized on Wednesday

Tony Cavallaro, owner of 'Albert the Alligator', is suing the DEC over its decision to take Albert away from him and move the gator to a rehabilitation facility in Texas.

WATCH: 'Albert the Alligator' moved to rehabilitation facility in Texas after he was seized from Hamburg home

'Albert the Alligator' moved to rehabilitation facility in Texas after he was seized in Hamburg

In the lawsuit, Cavallaro claims he made several phone calls to the DEC to explain that he was in compliance with their regulations. But he says he never received a response.

More than two years later, law enforcement came to Cavallaro's Hamburg home and seized the alligator without notice, according to Cavallaro.

7 News has reached out to the DEC for a statement on this lawsuit. The DEC says it's looking into the matter.

You can read the entire lawsuit below:

The attorneys representing Cavallaro joined Voices to discuss the lawsuit, you can watch the full conversation below.

Hamburg man sues to get 'Albert the Alligator' back after DEC seized reptile

WATCH: DEC ignored questions from Albert the alligator owner after he failed to comply with regulations

I-TEAM: DEC ignored questions from Albert the alligator owner after he failed to comply with regulations