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Long Island Homeowner Turns In 2-Foot Alligator

MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Animal welfare crews rescued a 2-foot alligator from a home in Suffolk County this week.

The alligator was turned by the owner of a home in Miller Place, according to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The owner had missed the reptile amnesty event held last month at a Petco store in Selden, according to Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross.

"This individual actually bought the alligator in Florida and brought it up here. They generally grow about a foot a year," Gross told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "This is a problem where they're so readily available, to be able to order them on the Internet. They do not make good pets."

Long Island Homeowner Turns In 2-Foot Alligator

The alligator appeared to be in good health and will be sent to a licensed reptile facility, the SPCA said.

Gross said in a news release that the owner did the right thing, rather than dumping the alligator somewhere.

Gross has noted previously that alligators, venomous snakes and other dangerous reptiles are illegal to keep as pets.

"There is a reason why they're illegal. They're dangerous, they're unpredictable," Gross said. "An alligator could be up to five feet long. They are capable of killing someone."

"Stay away. Stick to your dogs and your cats," Gross urged.

In all 19 alligators have been turned in or abandoned in the Long Island area in a period of just over a year, the SPCA said.

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