Suffolk SPCA To Host Amnesty Week Through Friday

HAUPPAUGE, NY - The Suffolk County SPCA will be working with the Department of Environmental Conservation to host an Amnesty Week for illegally possessed, protected, endangered and threatened animals that require special state permits.

For this week only, residents can surrender dangerous animals, exotics, illegal reptiles, amphibians and mammals without penalty.

"The purpose of this effort is to get these illegally possessed animals into a controlled environment where they can be cared for properly," SPCA Chief Roy Gross said. "People who are in possession of these animals unlawfully can turn them in to us without fear of prosecution. No one will be asked to give their name,"

Over the years many exotic, illegally, possessed animals and reptiles have been turned in or confiscated by the Suffolk County SPCA.

Just last week, the group received a call that a local resident wished to turn in a smooth-fronted caiman, a crocodilian.

The caiman was 27 inches long, very aggressive, and illegal to possess as a pet in New York State.

Image via SPCA

The SPCA took custody so that the public would be protected and encourages others who have illegal pets to do the same.

During the Amnesty Week, which will take place through Friday, those possessing these illegal animals can contact the Suffolk County SPCA or NYS Department of Environment Conservation to schedule an appointment to turn in these animals, no questions asked. The hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Species that do not require permits, and/or are not threatened or endangered will not be accepted.

The Suffolk County SPCA is located on 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Building 16 in Hauppauge.

To schedule an appointment, residents can call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722 or the NYSDEC at 631-444-0250

"Protected and dangerous species need specific care and individuals illegally keeping these animals as pets are at best, keeping native wildlife from breeding in natural habitats, and at worst, endangering themselves and others," NYSDEC Acting Captain Tom Gadomski said. "Amnesty Day gives individuals the ability to anonymously surrender these animals before they become a danger."