Medina man cited for having pet alligator

MEDINA, Ohio - A Medina man is headed to court for having a pet alligator in his home.

Harley has lived with James Moye for the past 10 years. Moye bought her when she was just six inches long.

"And I knew she would grow, but I didn't know of any laws prohibiting it," said Moye.

No one has ever complained about his pet gator, but SPC. officers visited his home last year and said the four-and-a-half foot alligator was well taken care of.

On Wednesday, two Medina police officers came to his home and asked if he owned a pet alligator. Moye said yes and they told him he couldn't have one.

Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell said the city has had a dangerous animals ordinance since 1984. It bans 29 different wild animals, including alligators, from living in the city.

Hanwell and other city officials learned of the alligator living in the city just this week and cited Moye.

Hanwell said the ordinance is in place not just to protect the people that own wild animals, but also nearby residents, children and other pets.
    
The father of three understands why the law is in place, especially with incidents like what happened last year in Zainesville, where 48 exotic animals were freed by their owner.
    
Moye said he never knew the ordinance existed, admitting the city was "cool" about it but "could've cut me some slack."

Harley is now living at Moye's mother's home, which is outside of the Medina city limits.

Moye is headed to court to face the misdemeanor charge next week.