December: Information about Albert the crocodile will not be released until the investigation is completed

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Department of Environmental Conservation seized a Hamburg man’s pet alligator, which measured 11 feet long and weighed 750 pounds, in March and will not return it to the man until an investigation is completed, DEC officials said. explain.

The DEC is investigating alligator owner Tony Cavallaro for alleged violations of wildlife health and public safety laws and regulations.

The DEC cannot release veterinary reports or information about Albert’s condition until the investigation is complete. DEC said it will release relevant information after the investigation is completed.

“Health assessments conducted by veterinarians and other experts are consistent with the initial assessment of the animal’s health status,” the DEC said.

The DEC said it told Cavallaro in writing that the facility he used to keep the alligators was “defective,” and outlined the deficiencies in a notice of incomplete application.

The department said it gave Cavallaro “ample time” to comply.

“The protections contained in DEC requirements are not based on the purported behavior or physical condition of the permitted animals, but are appropriate for the species owned and consistent with state laws and regulations,” the DEC said in an email. “Animal owners are responsible for compliance. or find alternative and appropriate living arrangements for the animal.”

Cavallaro said in March that he usually renews his licenses on time, but that changed recently after the DEC updated regulations in 2020, and his multiple calls to question those updates went unanswered. He thought he should abide by the old rules.

Since officials arrested Albert, Cavallaro’s friends and many other supporters in Western New York have rallied around him.

Cavallaro said in March that he was like family. Everyone loves him. As you can see, he has thousands of people who love him.

According to the DEC, the department received photos and messages showing Cavallaro allowed “the public, including children, to have unauthorized close physical contact with the 750-pound alligator.”

Based on this information, DEC relieved Albert of his duties to ensure “the protection of public and animal health.”

Cavallaro’s attorney, Michael D’Amico, told News 4 Wednesday night that the DEC has not informed them whether Cavallaro will be charged with a DEC violation or if they will have to file a civil court complaint under Title 78 A lawsuit was filed claiming that DEC improperly took Albert and said it is still investigating.

D’Amico said they did receive a letter from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, but they also said they are still investigating.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.