An 11-foot, 750-pound alligator named Albert was seized from a home in Hamburg, New York, this week after authorities determined that the reptile was being kept illegally. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation removed Albert from his owner, Tony Cavallaro, who had built an addition to his house with an in-ground swimming pool for the alligator. The department stated that Cavallaro allowed members of the public, including children, to interact with the unsecured alligator, which has multiple health problems including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications.

Cavallaro, who referred to himself as Albert's dad, claimed that he treated the alligator like family and had renewed his license annually until it expired in 2021. He criticized the way the seizure was conducted, stating that 20 agents in full body armor and carrying weapons arrived at his home, treating him like a criminal.

The department emphasized that owning any animal classified as a "dangerous animal" without a proper license is illegal in New York. Albert is now in the care of a licensed caretaker until he can be transported for permanent care. Cavallaro expressed his intention to fight for the return of his beloved pet, urging his friends and supporters to join him in court. A court date for the custody battle has yet to be announced.