- Florida, USA -
Following the discovery of an alligator found with his mouth and eyes duct taped shut in Seminole County, a combined reward was offered in exchange for information leading to a criminal conviction of the monster responsible for this crime.
That reward has now been increased to $6,500.
The incident happened in April.
According to Newsweek, Barbara and Jack Thornton discovered the bound reptile swimming near the shore by their backyard near the Wekiva River.
The couple said the hind limbs were bound up so tightly that it was hindering the gator’s circulation.
The Thorntons alerted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who is investigating the case.
The couple had offered a $500 reward in exchange for information regarding this SENSELESS and evil act.
Gatorland added a $1,000 to the reward, and now the Animal Legal Defense has joined in by adding $5,000 to the reward.
As reported by ClickOrlando, officials are investigating a possible connection between this incident and two other incidents involving bound alligators in the area.
Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells said: “Wild animals are protected under the law. This is a very serious crime, all the more urgent because it may be part of a larger pattern of cruelty and animal cruelty can be an indicator of violence and other crimes against people as well.”
What happened to this poor alligator is sheer animal cruelty and it’s a third-degree felony to intentionally injure, kill, possess or capture an alligator.
The maximum penalty is up to five years in prison or a fine of $5,000, or both.
If you have information regarding this heinous crime, please come forward and speak up.
Please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922.
Thank you!
Unfortunately, in Florida it is legal to hunt alligators.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the statewide alligator hunting season begins on August 15, and ends on the morning of November 1.
The participants (in this case fancy word for murderers), are required to obtain a permit (fancy word for license to kill innocent lives).
It would make more sense to hunt criminals instead of innocent animals!
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