Long Island Reptile Amnesty Held in Suffolk

John Mitty Sunday, April 28, 2013

A few days ago, a man who was on a walk by a dock discovered several small alligators which had been abandoned.  Since the alligators are not native to Long Island, it is almost certain that they were illegal pets.  The four alligators are going to a new home at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center where animal experts can take care of them. 

As was promised by officials, a reptile amnesty event was held yesterday in Suffolk County by the Suffolk County SPCA.  The reptile amnesty event took place at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.  The event was an open call to the owners of any illegal reptile pets in Long Island to surrender their animals, presumably so they could also find a new home at the Long Island Aquarium.  One illegal alligator was brought in; there has been no comment as to whether the owner was connected to the four which were recently discovered, and “no questions asked” was part of the terms for the amnesty.  Another pet owner brought in a snapping turtle and a Greek tortoise.  Those pets were legal, but the owner clearly decided they would be happier in the aquarium.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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