PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — From alligators to horses and everything in between, it was a busy week for the Animal Care and Control Team in Philadelphia.
On Wednesday, ACCT Philly officers were called to assist in an eviction in Strawberry Mansion. A small alligator, which is illegal to own in Philadelphia, and a husky were left behind in the residence.
“Folks will say, well, you can have [alligators] in Pennsylvania, and, depending on what county you are in, what city, what ordinances apply, there is no state law preventing you from having an alligator, but in Philadelphia, there are ordinances that make it illegal to have an alligator,” said Sarah Barnett, CEO at ACCT.
The alligator was placed at a partnering rescue that specializes in reptiles. The dog is at ACCT, where he is up for adoption.
Then, on Thursday, a horse and pony were found unattended on a tennis court in Germantown. They were removed. The owner tracked them down and was unaware they had to be licensed.
"We really hope people will take the time to get them licensed because that licensing allows us to ensure that they are meeting certain requirements as well,” Barnett said.