Earlier this week, a 750-pound, 11-foot-long alligator named Albert was seized from a New York home, resulting in a confrontation between the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the reptile's owner, he daily beast reported.
Albert's owner, Tony Cavallaro, had been keeping the 30-year-old alligator on an expired permit in an in-ground pool in his backyard.
Cavallaro allegedly allowed members of the public “to enter the water to pet the unsecured alligator,” according to the department.
On top of that, Albert has multiple health problems, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications, authorities said.
According to DEC guidelines, public contact with such animals is prohibited.
The old scaly reptile has been handed over to a licensed caretaker until it can find a permanent home.
According CBS NewsCavallaro treated Albert as if he were his son.
“I'm not dangerous. I'm not being unsafe with people,” he said.
Meanwhile, New York environmental officials have yet to decide whether to file charges.
