BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The legal battle over Albert the alligator continues. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is appealing a judge's decision ordering the department to review Tony Cavallaro's application to keep his pet alligator in his Hamburg home. The judge ruled last m onth if the DEC fails to act in thirty days, Albert must be returned to his owner. Cavallaro kept Albert in his Hamburg home for decades. The alligator entertained visitors who described him as a “gentle giant,” including a man who went swimming with the reptile in 2023. The alligator was seized and taken to a rehab facility in Texas back in May of last year after officials say Cavallaro's license to own Albert expired. Cavallaro has since been in a legal battle to have Albert returned.  Latest Local News DEC appeals ruling in Albert the alligator case Mayoral candidate Sean Ryan raises questions about current deputy mayor’s former employer Sex offender admits to rape of 2 minor victims in Wyoming County Mumford & Sons coming to Buffalo in October 4 storylines for the earliest Opening Day in Buffalo’s baseball history ...read more read less