LATER, GATOR!
Bureaucrats impound pet reptile who’s so tame he swims with children
AN AILING 11-foot alligator was seized from a house in upstate New York — after authorities accused owner Tony Cavallaro of allowing children to swim in a pool with the 750-pound beast!
Now, furious locals are demanding gentle giant Albert, 34, be returned to the only home he’s ever known!
The colossal critter was well known in Hamburg — a town around 15 miles from Buffalo — where Cavallaro created an in-ground oasis for his scaly sidekick.
State officials say the animal lover long had a license to keep Albert — but the document expired in 2021 after inspectors determined his holding area failed to meet safety standards.
Cavallaro gripes his beloved behemoth was swiped due to bogus permit issues — and unfounded allegations of neglect and putting people in harm’s way.
“Everyone who has met Albert — or knows Albert — knows that this is not true,” he grumbles.
“I took care of him better than most people take care of their kids!”
But the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) — which placed the reptile with a licensed caretaker until a permanent arrangement is secured — claims Albert suffers from numerous health issues, including blindness and spinal complications.
A DEC spokesperson says, “Analysis of additional evidence seized during the warrant and consultation with a licensed veterinarian will determine any future potential charges.”
Cavallaro gripes “20 or more” armed agents stormed his property to seize the supersize saurian. He moans about being treated “like a criminal” — but insists he was repeatedly ignored by officials while trying to ensure his creature’s certification would be grandfathered in.
“I am very upset and angry,” says the amateur zookeeper in an online petition calling for the gargantuan gator’s return that has already garnered more than 100,000 signatures.
“This alligator was a beloved pet and very well cared for,” says local Natalie Howes.
Outraged resident Kari Celotto adds, “Albert should be able to live the rest of his life with his companion! It’s cruel to take him away!”