The New York Department of Environmental Conservation reports that officers have seized a pet alligator from a home in Hamburg, New York.
The alligator’s owner had a permit to keep the alligator but was denied a renewal.
The 11-foot-long, 750-pound alligator was kept in the swimming pool. Officers say the animal had health issues and was blind.
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Press Release
On March 13, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) successfully seized an 11-foot, 750-pound alligator that was being illegally kept at a residence in the Town of Hamburg.
ECOs learned 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. The individual formerly possessed a DEC license for the alligator, but the license expired in 2021 and was not renewed.
In the interest of public safety and the health, safety, and protection of the alligator, ECOs worked with the Town of Hamburg Police and The SPCA Serving Erie County, NY to seize the alligator, which has numerous health-related issues, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications.
Authorities turned the alligator 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.
Find this and other recent ECO stories in this week’s Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol: https://on.ny.gov/49S1jJe.
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