HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — An 11-foot, 750-pound alligator illegally kept at a home in the Town of Hamburg has been turned over to a licensed caretaker after it was seized.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said it seized the reptile on Wednesday with the help of Hamburg Police and the SPCA Serving Erie County. The owner of the home previously possessed a DEC license for the alligator, but it expired in 2021.
According to the DEC, the homeowner allegedly built an addition on their house and installed an in-ground swimming pool to keep the gator, named Albert, without a permit. Investigators did not disclose the address.
The homeowner also allegedly allowed the public to get in the water and pet the unsecured alligator, which is roughly 30 years old.
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The alligator has numerous health-related issues, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications, according to officials.
Analysis of additional evidence seized during the warrant and consultation with a licensed veterinarian will determine any future potential charges.
Cavallaro tells 7 News he expects to be charged with a violation but hasn't received a court date or any information.
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The DEC issued the following statement Friday afternoon:
"Possession of animals designated as dangerous [extapps.dec.ny.gov], including alligators, is prohibited in New York State except under license [dec.ny.gov] from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These licenses, along with authorizing possession for regulated activities, protect the animal and the public. In this case, the former owner’s license to possess the alligator expired in 2021 and was not renewed. At that time, DEC determined the owner’s facility failed to meet specific conditions to ensure this dangerous animal did not come in contact with humans and did not pose a threat to humans or the animal. To be clear, even if the owner was appropriately licensed, public contact with the animal is prohibited and grounds for license revocation and relocation of the animal."
New York State law bans the import, possession, and sale of live alligators, caiman, and crocodile, except for these cases:
- EXEMPT: scientific or educational purposes
- PERMIT (Crocodilian Permit) issued for retail sale of crocodilian parts
- REGISTRATION (Crocodilian Registration) required to import or possess dead alligator, caiman, or crocodile or parts for wholesale, tanning, or finishing products
In New York State, a Crocodilian Permit is issued to an individual operating a retail establishment, store, or outlet. This permit authorizes the retail sale of finished parts and products made in whole, or in part, from Alligators, Caiman, and Crocodile of the Order Crocodylia.
An online petition to bring Albert back to his owners is underway. You can learn more here.
On Tuesday, 7 News spoke with Frank Robb who has close to three decades of experience working with wildlife and has picked up the nickname "Alligator Robb" along the way. He now runs the non-profit Environmental Education Awareness Research Support and Services or EEARSS in Brevard County Florida. You can hear what he had to say about "Albert the Alligator" being seized below.
WATCH RELATED: 'It was news down here': Florida alligator expert on 'Albert the Alligator' being seized from Hamburg home
Shirts and lawn signs are now being sold and proceeds will go to the effort to have Albert the Alligator returned to his longtime owner.
WATCH: Hamburg community continues to rally in support of return of 'Albert the Alligator' to his owner
