SPARTA EXPOSITOR (Tennessee) 26 March 06 Alligator to find new home (Jody Sliger)
Just a few decades ago, baby alligators were sold in Florida and other warmer climates to visitors from Tennessee, but laws were changed to protect not only these creatures, but also native animals and pets.
A White County man has been charged by Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency with unlawful possession of Class I wildlife and unlawful housing of Class I wildlife.
Larry Greene, 51, of Sparta, will appear in court April 21, 2006.
According to Jon Ryan, TWRA officer, information was received about the illegally possessed alligator and when officers arrived at the subject’s home March 21, 2006, Greene voluntarily relinquished the animal to Ryan.
“Not only is it illegal to own these types of ‘inherently dangerous’ animals, there are also specific housing requirements,” said Ryan.
Lions, tigers and bears, as well as primate species, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Galada baboons, carnivores, wolves, bears, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamus, African buffalo, all poisonous species of amphibians, all poisonous species of snakes, and all reptile species of crocodiles and alligators are included in Class I wildlife list.
This class includes all species that are declared as being inherently dangerous to humans. They may only be possessed by zoos, circuses and commercial propagators. These rules are directed to assuring the health, welfare and safety of the animals, the public and also mandate the features of the housing where the animals are kept.
Since regulations about exotic animals were changed, anyone possessing Class I wildlife legally prior to June 25, 1991, must annually obtain a personal possession permit to keep the animal.
After that date, according to Tennessee Code Annotated, no new animals shall be brought into possession under personal possession.
According to Ryan, Greene told them a friend had brought him the alligator after a recent trip to the Sunshine state.
In the case of the small Florida alligator, which appeared to be approximately 2 feet long, the charges against Greene are Class A misdemeanors and each count is punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days, and fines not to exceed $2,500 [unless otherwise provided by statute.]
“This alligator will probably end up at the Tennessee Aquarium,” said Ryan.
Alligator to find new home