Ashley Betts: Man accused of 'keeping' an American alligator at a location in Rotherham

By Sarah Marshall

Crime and court reporter

Published 26th Feb 2025, 14:25 BST

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The case of a man charged with ‘keeping’ an American alligator has been brought before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.

The charge has been brought against Ashley Betts, aged 32, of Carlyle Court, Maltby, Rotherham.

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Mr Betts’ case was brought before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today (February 26, 2025).

Court documents state Mr Betts is charged with an offence of keeping a ‘dangerous wild animal, namely American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), other than under the authority of a licence granted in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 by a local authority'. Stock picture of an American alligator used insetCourt documents state Mr Betts is charged with an offence of keeping a ‘dangerous wild animal, namely American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), other than under the authority of a licence granted in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 by a local authority'. Stock picture of an American alligator used inset
Court documents state Mr Betts is charged with an offence of keeping a ‘dangerous wild animal, namely American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), other than under the authority of a licence granted in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 by a local authority'. Stock picture of an American alligator used inset | Adobe/NW

Court documents state Mr Betts is charged with an offence of keeping a ‘dangerous wild animal, namely American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), other than under the authority of a licence granted in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 by a local authority’.

The documents also state the prosecution has been brought by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

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The offence is alleged to have been carried out in Rotherham on July 11, 2024.

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The case has now been adjourned until next month.

The American alligator is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States and a small section of northeastern Mexico.

Adult male American alligators usually measure between 3.4 to 4.6 metres in length, while adult females have an average length of between 2.6 to 3 metres.

Related topics:RotherhamAmericanMaltbyMexico
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