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Alligator owner won’t face charges
There is no township ordinance against the possession of exotic animals.
MOUNT JACKSON, Pa. — No charges will be filed against the owner of a 50-pound alligator firefighters discovered while putting out a fire at a former school here.
Bob Nestor, Northwest Regional Manager of Law Enforcement for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Meadville, said Friday his agency does not regulate non-native animal species such as alligators.
He said that some municipalities, such as Erie, have laws against keeping exotic animals, but there is no such ordinance in North Beaver Township where the fire occurred Thursday afternoon.
Nestor said certain other exotic species, such as lions, would fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Fire Chief Paul Henry of North Beaver said Friday the alligator was returned Thursday night to owner Brian Simpson. He said carcasses of two other alligators were found in the building and they are believed to have died before the blaze started.
Henry estimated damage at $15,000 to $25,000 at the building at 4189 Edinburg Road, the former Mount Jackson Elementary School. He said damage was confined to one end where the roof and a wall collapsed.
The state fire marshal is investigating the cause.
He said that Simpson lives off and on in the building which is near several houses and businesses. Fifty to 70 live rabbits also were taken from the building by firefighters.
The fire began about 2 p.m. Thursday, and firefighters were on the scene until 8:30, Henry said.
Other departments assisting North Beaver were New Beaver Borough, Neshannock Township, Bessemer, Enon Valley, Mahoning Township, Wampum and Springfield Township in Ohio.
Henry said one firefighter was treated at the scene by Noga Ambulance personnel for heat exhaustion. Noga also provided drinks and snacks for firefighters at the scene.