Mike Pearce, the owner of Pearce’s Pet Place, a pet shop located in Indiana, Pennsylvania said that two of his American alligators were stolen on August 8th, 2020 and he’d like help getting them back.
Search still on for alligators stolen from an Indiana County pet shop https://t.co/c8gfecgsSY
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) August 30, 2020
Mike said he found the gator’s enclosure empty with 12 screws removed from the cage, something only human hands could have done. The gators could not have removed the screws themselves and just run away. Mike reported the missing gators to the Indiana Borough Police Department.
https://www.facebook.com/PearcesPetPlace/photos/a.390471687700135/2364896853590932
The gators were raised in captivity their entire life and Mike says he is very worried about their well-being. They required a particular diet and special medical needs so they may not survive in the custody of the thieves.
“I am really bummed and I want them back,” he added. “If they were going to a big place where people knew how to care for them, I would be happy for them. But I fear that’s not the case,” FOX News reported Mike saying.
If you or anyone you know has information on their whereabouts you can contact the pet shop directly at (724) 349-6016 or you can send them a message on Facebook. Pearce’s Pet Place carries reptiles, small mammals, birds, fish, insects, and many kinds of pet supplies. Check them out if you’re in the area!