STAR-TRIBUNE (Indianapolis, Indiana) 07 June 06 Michigan man who released gator may face cruelty charges
Ludington, Mich (AP): Michigan is a long way from the swamps of Florida, but a 4-foot alligator turned up in a pond in a park.
Police found the man who owned the reptile and Police Chief Mark Barnett said he may face animal cruelty charges. The case was forwarded to prosecutors for review, he said.
"The man said he was looking for a place to get rid of it to, but he couldn't get anyone to take it,'' Barnett said.
The man dumped the gator after trying to kill it with a hammer, Barnett said. It survived and a man walking his dog spotted it Monday in Copeyon Park, Barnett said.
Police turned the alligator over to Mason County animal control officers.
Michigan man who released gator may face cruelty charges