Buffalo Man Concludes Lengthy Legal Struggle for Seized Alligator
A man from the Buffalo area in upstate New York has officially terminated his court fight to regain possession of his 12-foot alligator, named Albert, who was seized by authorities in March 2024. Tony Cavallaro had shared his home with the reptile for more than three decades before state officers intervened, leading to a protracted and expensive legal dispute that has now been abandoned.
Seizure and Sanctuary Placement
In March 2024, officers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation arrived at Cavallaro's suburban Buffalo home with a warrant. They sedated Albert, a 750-pound alligator measuring 12 feet in length, and transported him away in a van. The alligator, who had resided in an indoor swimming pool, was subsequently relocated to a sanctuary in Texas, where he remains today.
Legal Battle and Surrender
Cavallaro initiated a lawsuit against the state after his application for a license to keep Albert was denied. However, in March 2026, after nearly two years of litigation with no resolution in sight, he decided to withdraw from the fight. His attorney, Peter Kooshoian, explained that the ongoing costs and lack of a quick end prompted this decision. "Tony's upset," Kooshoian stated. "He had the animal for over 30 years — never had a problem until this occurred. So he doesn't feel he was treated correctly by the government." Even if Cavallaro had won the case, he believed the state would impose stringent regulations on the care of the alligator, further complicating matters.
State's Rationale for Seizure
The Department of Environmental Conservation cited multiple grounds for the removal. Cavallaro's license to keep Albert had expired in 2021, and even if renewed, he had violated rules by allowing others to pet the alligator and enter the pool with him, actions deemed unsafe for a dangerous animal. Additionally, the state reported that Albert suffered from health issues, including blindness in both eyes and spinal complications, which raised concerns about his welfare.
Cavallaro's Emotional Connection
Cavallaro has consistently defended Albert, describing him as "just a big baby" who never displayed aggression. He acquired the alligator at an Ohio reptile show when it was just two months old and considered Albert an emotional support animal, highlighting the deep personal bond that fueled his legal efforts. Despite his surrender, the case underscores ongoing debates over exotic pet ownership and regulatory enforcement in New York.
