See You Later, Baby Gator
By ANNIE DIMMICKArticle Photos
MOUNDSVILLE-His name is Dudley, and he needs a home - the problem is, he's an alligator.
According to Marshall County Animal Shelter Director Cindy Brautigan, Dudley was brought to the shelter Wednesday by Marshall County Animal Control officers. He was turned over to them after a Fish Creek resident caring for Dudley could no longer take care of him.
Brautigan said Dudley's original owner had left him with that person for care, but the resident turned Dudley over to the shelter with the baby alligator's best interest at heart.
Now, she's working to find a suitable place for Dudley to reside.
"I want to send him to an animal rescue, but that isn't always easy," Brautigan said, noting many area zoos and rescue leagues can't take the alligator because they already have too many.
Dudley can't stay at the local animal shelter for long, Brautigan said, adding that animal shelter workers are actively seeking a facility that could give him an opportunity to live in an environment that closely resembles his natural habitat.
Brautigan said having reptiles as pets is not something that's common in Marshall County, but she said the shelter has received them in the past.
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whisperinghope
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10-10-08 1:23 PM
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these are not pets and should be against the law to own, along with a few others. It's sad ppl get these and other animals and then realise they can't take care of them, lots have to be put down. Shame shame shame.
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BUMSMOM
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10-10-08 12:02 PM
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Poor little guy; it so sad that he will most likely not be taken back to Florida and set free. People should not be allowed to purchase these types of pets. If someone is found in the possession of an animal such as this one, they should be arrested and a heavy fine emposed.
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