HAMBURG, N.Y. — Officers with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation made a huge discovery in Hamburg on Wednesday.
Officers seized an 11-foot, 750-pound alligator that was being kept at a home in the Town of Hamburg.
Investigators say the homeowner had built an addition to his house and installed an in-ground pool for the 30-year-old alligator. They say the owner allegedly allowed people to get into the water to pet the alligator.
The owner did not have a permit to house the large reptile, according to the NYS DEC.
The DEC worked with the Town of Hamburg Police and SPCA Serving Erie County to seize the alligator, who has several health issues, including being blind in both eyes and spinal complications.
The alligator has been turned over to a licensed person who will house and take care of it until it can be transported for proper care.
The NYS DEC is still investigation and will determine if charges will be filed pending an exam by a licensed veterinarian.
While the NYS DEC has not identified the owner of the alligator, the owner did make a public post on Facebook and talked about what happened with the alligator, who is named Albert. Dozens of people have commented on the post showing support for Tony and Albert. A change.org petition has also been started in an effort to help the owner keep his alligator. More than 10,000 people have signed the petition.
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