State DEC seizes 6-foot alligator and 8-foot python from Syracuse home



Syracuse, NY -- A 6-foot alligator named Howard and an 8-foot albino Burmese python named Sponge Bob were both seized this morning from a Syracuse home by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.



The reptiles were seized at 11 a.m. alive and without incident from the home of Paul Bailey, 116 Massena St., DEC Capt. Woody Erickson said. Bailey was keeping the animals in violation of a state environmental conservation law with prohibits the possession of certain animals, including Burmese pythons and alligators, as pets, Erickson said.



Bailey has owned and raised the alligator since he was purchased nine years ago from an Erie Boulevard West pet shop that has since closed, Erickson said. The sale of the then one-foot-long alligator was illegal at that time, Erickson said.

python.JPGSponge Bob, an eight-foot albino Burmese python, who was seized today by the state DEC.



The python was purchased illegally two years ago from a Watertown resident that Bailey found on Craig’s List, Erickson said.



The snake was placed with a reptile rehabilitator and the alligator will be placed with the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, Erickson said.



Bailey cooperated with the DEC during the investigation, Erickson said. Because of the cooperation, the DEC is following up with the violations administratively instead of criminally, Erickson said.

www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/05/state_dec_seizes_six-foot_alli.html

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• NY-Syracuse Reptiles Removed - EricWI, Sat May 21 16:12:56 2011