New york man sues after state raids his home to seize pet alligator

HAMBURG, NY – Tony Cavallaro of Erie County, a suburb of Buffalo, is taking legal action against environmental regulators over the custody of his alligator, Albert. Cavallaro, 64, has been the caretaker of the 11-foot, 750-pound reptile for over three decades.

The alligator was relocated to Gator Country Adventure Park in Beaumont, Texas, following a raid in March by agents from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The lawsuit, filed earlier this month, seeks to overturn the decision that led to Albert being tranquilized and transported across state lines. Cavallaro argues that he purchased the alligator legally in August 1990 and has maintained a valid license, which he has renewed annually without issue.

He states that he has always complied with DEC regulations, never received any violations, and ensured the alligator was properly cared for and registered with local authorities.

The conflict arose when the DEC altered its regulations around the time of the 2020 license renewal. Cavallaro claims he responded to these changes by submitting a revised application, along with the required supporting documentation, aiming to ensure compliance with the new rules. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how exotic pets are regulated in New York.

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