Officials confiscate massive 750-pound alligator named Albert from residence in New York

A man in upstate New York was forced to give up his pet alligator after authorities found out he was keeping the reptile illegally. The 11-foot, 750-pound alligator named Albert was seized by Environmental Conservation police officers from a home in Hamburg. The owner had built an addition to his house to accommodate the giant reptile and allowed members of the public to pet the alligator in an in-ground swimming pool.

The owner of the alligator, named Tony Cavallaro, referred to himself as “Albert’s dad” and said the alligator was like family to everyone. However, Cavallaro’s license to own Albert had expired in 2021, and attempts to renew it were unsuccessful. The Department of Environmental Conservation stated that even if the owner had a license, public contact with the animal is prohibited, which could lead to license revocation and relocation of the animal.

Albert is currently being cared for by a licensed caretaker due to his multiple health problems, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications. Environmental Conservation officers, along with local police and the Erie County SPCA, were involved in seizing the alligator. The department is analyzing evidence seized during the warrant and consulting with a licensed veterinarian to determine potential future charges. Owning any dangerous animal, including alligators, is illegal in New York without a Dangerous Animal License from the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The situation with Albert the alligator has brought attention to the regulations surrounding ownership of dangerous animals in New York. Owners are required to have appropriate training, experience, and facilities with necessary safeguards in place for each dangerous animal they own. Hamburg, located in Erie County, New York, is around 13 miles south of Buffalo. The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for enforcing these regulations and ensuring the welfare of exotic animals in the state.

The alligator named Albert highlights the importance of following regulations when it comes to owning exotic pets. Even though the owner considered the alligator as part of the family, it is essential to abide by the laws and guidelines set forth by the authorities. Albert is now in the care of a licensed caretaker and will be transported for permanent care once his health stabilizes. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with owning dangerous animals and the consequences of not complying with the law.