In the wake of news reports that Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett recently acquired a “pet” alligator, whom he named Nino, PETA sent the defensive back a letter giving him a heads up that owning an alligator is unlawful in Arizona without a special permit and is heavily regulated in Florida (where Dockett acquired Nino). We’ve offered to help Dockett find a suitable permanent habitat for Nino.
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Alligators in the wild roam freely and protect their territories, travel long distances, and thrive in the rivers and lakes that they call home. They never become “tame,” and forcing one to live in confinement only makes for a frustrated and unhappy animal. Not only is this unfair to this gator, it is also dangerous for everyone.
We hope Dockett will take us up on our offer, and in the meantime, you can help by spreading the word about the miserable lives led by exotic animals kept as “pets.”
Written by Jennifer O’Connor
