Illegal Alligator and Rattlesnake Parts at Stormville Flea Market

 

Illegal Alligator and Rattlesnake Parts at Stormville Flea Market

On Sept. 2, ECO Deo Read received information that two booths at the Stormville Flea Market were allegedly offering protected wildlife parts for sale. ECO Read searched for the booths, finding one selling an alligator head, feet, jawbones, and teeth, and rattlesnake hides. The seller claimed the parts were legal. The ECO explained to the subject that he would need a permit to possess/sell any of these items in New York State. The seller was issued three summons for possessing and offering the animal parts for sale without a permit. The seller was given the Special License Office telephone number and told he should inquire about getting the required permits. The seller removed the items in question from sale and the case is pending in Town of East Fishkill Court.

Illegal Alligator Head on a table
Illegal Rattlesnake parts in a display
Illegal alligator head and illegal rattlesnake items for sale

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) enforce the 71 Chapters of NY Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.

In 2016, the 286 ECOs across the state responded to 26,400 calls and issued 22,150 tickets for crimes ranging from deer poaching to corporate toxic dumping and illegal mining, black market pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

“From Montauk Point to Mount Marcy, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, the ECOs patrolling our state are the first line of defense in protecting New York’s environment and our natural resources, ensuring that they exist for future generations of New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “They work long and arduous hours, both deep in our remote wildernesses and in the tight confines of our urban landscapes. Although they don’t receive much public fanfare, the work of our ECOs is critical to achieving DEC’s mission to protect and enhance our environment.”

Author: Harlem Valley News