Police and the RSPCA seized the croc from a semi in Hale, Greater Manchester, earlier this week
A crocodile has been confiscated from a property in Greater Manchester after police and the RSPCA received reports that a wild animal was being housed without proper licensing.
The council, police and RSPCA joined forces to extract a caiman from a semi-detached house in Hale, a leafy suburb popular with footballers and Manchester’s wealthy elite.
They executed a warrant at 11am yesterday (September 16), following reports that the caiman was being housed without the appropriate licence. At the same address, a python was also seized for assessment by police under the Animal Welfare Act.
The caiman, known as Lyle, was discovered inside an enclosure containing water, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Both animals were placed into the care of a local veterinarian specialising in reptiles, and today they were being relocated to an appropriate zoo.
RSPCA officers provided guidance throughout the operation, as these creatures possess razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws, presenting a significant biting hazard. They can reach lengths exceeding two metres and are indigenous to much of Latin America.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said: “The council works hard to protect our neighbourhoods from a wide range of potential problems and safety threats.
“Thanks to the work of our environmental health team and partners, the caiman has been carefully removed. Species like this require sensitive, expert handling and proper environments and as such we require any owner to hold a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence. We do not hesitate to take decisive action when rules are not adhered to.”
Police Sergeant DeGouveia, GMP’s Wildlife Subject Matter Expert, added: “This an excellent example of partnership working between GMP, the RSPCA and Trafford Council.
“The swift and coordinated response from all agencies involved ensured that the animals were safely secured, removed and can now look forward to a brighter future in more suitable accommodation.
“I would like to thank the Altrincham Neighbourhood Team, RSPCA and Trafford Council for their support, professionalism and commitment. Their efforts have made a significant difference to the welfare and future of the animals involved.”
With both animals now receiving specialist care, RSPCA Exotic Animals Expert Evie Button said: “We’re pleased that both reptiles are now receiving specialist care but we remain deeply concerned that so many dangerous wild animals continue to be kept in private hands across Britain.
“These animals have highly specialised physical, behavioural and environmental needs that are incredibly difficult to meet in a domestic setting, meaning their welfare can be severely compromised when they are kept as pets.”