Crouching Tiger In The Tank, Hidden Dragon In The Trunk

[river_styx]

A man has been charged with wildlife cruelty after police discovered a large alligator in the boot of a car.

The 3.5ft reptile was found in Edinburgh after it had allegedly been offered for sale in a specialist publication.


Officers from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) intervened to rescue the Spectacled Cayman alligator, a cousin of the crocodile, and said to be "very dangerous" by experts.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that one man had been charged with six offences and another has been released.

"One man has been charged with five wildlife cruelty offences and one count of culpable and reckless conduct," she said.

The alligator was said to be "probably quite traumatised" by the journey cooped up in the back of the vehicle and is being cared for at a sanctuary.

SSPCA spokeswoman Mairi Ball said: "These alligators will attack anyone, they have big teeth and can grow up to three metres long.

"Presumably this one was imported and unfortunately, there's a trend for keeping these exotic pets by people who have no idea how to care for them.

"These are killers, not pets, they can be very dangerous. This one was only a third of its full size."

Owning such pets without a licence is an offence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

 

[Anonymous]

Meanwhile, back at the ranch!

Wildlife agency officials in Florida have been advised to avoid wearing their uniforms after a series of death threats over the shooting of a tiger.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3912805.stm

 

[Mighty_Emperor]

TIGER MAN GUILTY

A New York man has admitted keeping a 400lb tiger as a pet in his apartment.

Antoine Yates pleaded guilty to "reckless endangerment" by harbouring Ming, a two year-old Siberian Bengal tiger.

The big cat, and an alligator, were found at his home in October last year.

Yates said he admitted the offence to save his mother from being prosecuted.

"It seemed like the District Attorney was taking this personal and I didn't want him to hurt my mum. He can do whatever to me, but I will not let him do anything to my mother."

Yates was arrested in Philadelphia where he had gone for treatment of a deep bite on his right leg, inflicted by Ming.

His mother was arrested several days later and both had faced up to seven years in prison on the reckless endangerment charge.

Yates will remain free until his sentencing in September when the judge indicated he will probably not serve more than six months behind bars.

He said he wanted to rededicate his life to animals and perhaps open a wildlife reserve.

Ming, who ate 25 chicken thighs a day, is now living at a sanctuary in Ohio. The alligator is being looked after in Indiana.

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13162331,00.html

 

[Anonymous]

What is it with 'gators?

Man charged with hitting girlfriend with pet alligator during fight



PORT ORANGE, Fla. (AP) — A man hit his girlfriend with a 3-foot alligator and threw beer bottles at her during an argument in the couple's mobile home, authorities said.

David Havenner, 41, was scheduled for a bond hearing Saturday on misdemeanor charges of battery and possession of an alligator.

The alligator, which Havenner had been keeping in his bathtub, was turned over to Florida wildlife officials.

Nancy Monico, 39, told investigators that Havenner beat her with his fists, then grabbed the alligator and swung it at her as she tried to escape, sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. She said the animal hit her at least once. She also told authorities that Havenner threw empty beer bottles at her, Davidson said.

courttv.com/people/2004/0719/alligator_ap.html