See You Later, Alligator: Rotherham Man Kept Reptile in Back Garden

A Rotherham man has admitted keeping an unlicensed alligator in his back garden.

Ashley Betts, 32, of Carlyle Court, Maltby, admitted keeping a dangerous wild animal without a licence when he appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 12th March 2025.

This is an offence under section 1(1) of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. It has a maximum sentence on summary conviction of an unlimited fine.

Magistrates heard that Betts acquired the 1.2 metre long reptile, named "Cliff", from an unnamed friend about a year ago. The animal lives in a purpose-built outhouse and tank in the back garden.

Police had cause to visit the 32-year-old in relation to other matters on 11th July 2024. During the visit they became aware of the existence of Cliff, which they later discovered was kept without the appropriate licence.

Cliff was seized by inspectors from Rotherham Borough Council and has been relocated to an animal park on Merseyside.

Cliff was in good health, having been well cared for by Betts. There is no suggestion that the alligator posed a threat to the safety of anyone else.

Betts told Magistrates that he was simply unaware of the requirement to licence such an animal.

James Grey, mitigating, said: "What he is hoping to achieve is by working with the appropriate departments of the council he can one day obtain a licence and apply to get the alligator back."

Betts was fined £333. 

He was also ordered to pay £133 surcharge and £468 towards prosecution costs.

Hopefully Betts and Cliff will be reunited shortly.

Fascinating fact: One of the easiest ways to distinguish between an alligator and a crocodile is to look at the shape of the snout. Alligators, as shown in the image above, have a broad U-shaped snout, whereas crocodiles have a narrow V-shaped snout.