Illinois Conservation Police Seize Alligator from Bloomington Home
Illinois Conservation Police officers (CPOs), through a coordinated law enforcement effort involving the Bloomington Police Department, McLean County States Attorney’s Office, and McLean County Animal Control, today seized a nearly three-and-a-half foot alligator from a home in Bloomington.
Law enforcement personnel executed a search warrant at 1207 N. Mason St. in Bloomington after receiving information that the animal was being kept in the residence illegally. Upon their search, officers seized one live American alligator approximately 41 inches in length from an enclosure inside the basement of the residence.
“I want to commend the work of our officers and the cooperation and efforts of the Bloomington Police Department, the McLean County States Attorney’s Office and McLean County Animal Control. This type of animal does not belong in a private residence, where it puts its owner or others at risk. We will make every effort to relocate this animal to a more suitable home where it can be cared for by trained professionals,” said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez.
As a result of the search, 44-year-old Danny W. Hubbs was cited for unlawful possession of a protected species without a permit. The offense is a violation of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act and is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by six months to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
The alligator will be retained alive and submitted for health screening. The results of the health screening will determine whether the alligator can be transferred to a suitable, licensed facility.
