HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — It has been an emotional week for Tony Cavallaro of Hamburg. On Wednesday, the DEC seized his alligator, Albert.
Cavallaro got Albert from a reptile show in 1990 when he was a baby and calls him a son. Now thousands have signed a petition to bring the 11-foot, 800-pound gator home.
The Hamburg resident said on Wednesday the DEC swarmed his home, with the help of police and the SPCA Serving Erie County, took his phone out of his hand, and would not let him say goodbye to Albert.
“It was really upsetting how it was handled,” said next-door neighbor Laura Lautner. “They loaded Albert on the back of a cargo van, and just laid him there.”
WATCH: Alligator seized from Hamburg home
Cavallaro previously had a permit for Albert, but it expired in 2021 and was not renewed. However, Cavallaro said he tried to renew it with the DEC.
“[DEC] would not clarify, they would not answer, this is on them,” said Cavallaro. “I should be grandfathered in.”
The DEC said Cavallaro “allowed members of the public to get into the water to pet the unsecured alligator.”
Cavallaro told 7 News that kids have posed for pictures in the pool with Albert in the back, but it wasn’t often.
"He's not having alligator get together, or parties," said Lautner. "He's just a really nice guy and loves that alligator, and treats it well.
The DEC told 7 News: “Even if the owner was appropriately licensed, public contact with the animal is prohibited and grounds for license revocation and relocation of the animal.”
“I’m Albert’s dad, that’s all there is to it,” explained Cavallaro. “He’s like family to everybody.”
The Hamburg man built a room for Albert in 2016, which has a pool, and a waterfall.
“Very calm, very gentle,” said Lautner. “Albert is not getting out of where he lives. He has no reason to. He swims in the pool, lays on the pool deck, eats chicken and doesn’t bother anybody.”
The DEC said Albert was blind and had a spinal issue. Cavallaro showed 7 News’ Michael Schwartz the medication he had been giving Albert for his eyes but said he was not blind. He also said Albert swam and moved fine, and never noticed spine issues.
“There were some people joking, and laughing,” said Lautner about what occurred on Wednesday. “I said ‘Is this funny to you?’ This is someone’s pet."
The DEC said Albert was turned over to a licensed caretaker and then will be transported for “permanent care. The DEC adds, “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.
WATCH RELATED: 'Let me take care of my animal': Hamburg man still searching for answers after alligator was seized
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
You can read the NYS DEC's full statement below:
"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."
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
