An unusual custody battle is brewing in New York. At the center of the controversy is Albert, a 34 year-old, 750-pound, 11-foot-long alligator who Tony Cavallaro has raised since he was a baby and taken care of for over three decades.
Cavallaro maintains that he possessed the necessary permits for Albert’s care until recent regulatory changes. He attempted to clarify the new guidelines but received no response from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Last week, the DEC seized Albert from Cavallaro’s Hamburg residence, citing public safety concerns and the legality of the alligator’s enclosure. Cavallaro vehemently denies these claims, asserting that he constructed a specialized pool for Albert’s well-being. The DEC, however, contends that Cavallaro permitted visitors, including children, to swim with the alligator, raising significant safety issues.
This situation has ignited a public debate, with a Change.org petition garnering over 100,000 signatures in support of Albert’s return to Cavallaro. Cavallaro insists he raised and cared for Albert like a family member since he was a hatchling. He feels unfairly targeted by the DEC and is preparing to contest the seizure in court.
Albert has “blindness in both eyes” and spinal complications, among other health issues (AOL). Currently, a licensed professional is providing temporary care for Albert while a permanent sanctuary is identified. The ultimate resolution of this case remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly captured the attention of animal welfare advocates and legal professionals alike.
Direct from Tony Cavallaro on the Change.org petition:
As everyone has probably already heard The DEC and SPCA took Albert away from me saying that I put people in harm’s way with him. Every one who has met Albert or knows Albert knows that this is not true. I took care of him better than most people take care of their kids. They changed the rules 2 years ago about what you need to do to have an Alligator. I’ve had him 34 years and abided by all of them and renewed my permit annually as required. I tried renewing it when they changed their rules and had questions to ask. They ignored my emails and phone calls to make sure I did everything right even though I should be grandfathered in. I will have a court date when they provide it. I ask it all of my friends and people who love Albert will support me when this date comes available and if you can join me at the Hamburg town court to help me fight them to get him back. They also brought at least 20 or more agents to my house in full body armor and guns treating me like a criminal. It was like I was a gun dealing drug dealing criminal the way they acted. The scene that they made on my street is very disturbing and totally wrong. I am very upset and angry about this whole incident! I will post the court date when it becomes available. Thank you in advance for everyone’s support!
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