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By Alia Shoaib
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A Pennsylvania man's emotional support alligator has been banned from Walmart after shoppers took photos of the reptile in a shopping cart.
Wesley Silva, 60, said that he was used to taking his reptile Jinseioshi on outings with him, where she is often given "VIP treatment."
Newsweek contacted Walmart for comment via contact form on their website on Friday.
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Why It Matters
Alligators are uncommon pets, and even more uncommon as emotional support animals.
The reptiles can grow to be 12 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds, making them potentially dangerous as pets.
What To Know
Silva told local outlet WPXI that he has been taking his 5-foot-long alligator on public outings in Brownsville for over three years.
"We've gone to restaurants, we've been to Denny's, where she's a star there. She gets VIP treatment," he told the outlet. "We've been out to Bob Evans, we've been out to the Wagon Wheel."
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But the reptile has now been banned from Walmart, a place the pair would regularly frequent, after outraged shoppers sent in photos of her at the store to WPXI last week.
The photos showed Jinseioshi at Walmart on at least two occasions, once perched in a shopping cart and another time in Silva's arms, wearing a dress and harness.
Silva said that he would "go with the flow" regarding the ban, and would still take the reptile wherever she was welcome. The man said he acquired the alligator four years ago from a neighbor who could no longer care for it.
"I did some research, I have kids of my own, and I didn't want to put anyone in jeopardy. And after some research, I was like, you know what? I'll take her," Silva said.
He said that the experience of owning the alligator, who he says he has registered as an emotional support animal, has been "really kind of incredible."
What People Are Saying
Walmart told WPXI in a statement: "The safety of our customers and associates is our highest priority. We welcome service animals in our stores, but it is unacceptable to expose members of the public to potential danger. Accordingly, alligators are not permitted on our premises."
One of the shoppers who sent in photos of the alligator told WPXI: "I looked and I saw this alligator dressed up, standing in there, and his mouth was sticking out of the buggy. I didn't believe it."
What Happens Next
Silva said he and Jinseioshi will obey the Walmart ban but will continue to enjoy their outings elsewhere in Brownsville.
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