DW: What'dya expect? It's Walmart.
What’s the world coming to when a man and his alligator can’t go to the store together? A Pennsylvania man's five-foot-long emotional support alligator has been banned from Walmart after shoppers complained about seeing the reptile in the store. Wesley Silva had been taking his alligator Jinseioshi on public outings for over three years, including visits to restaurants like Denny's and Bob Evans where she gets "VIP treatment." The ban came after outraged customers sent photos to a local news station showing the alligator in a shopping cart at Walmart and being carried by Silva while wearing a dress and harness.
Silva said he acquired the alligator four years ago from a neighbor who could no longer care for her, and after doing research to make sure his kids wouldn't be in danger, he decided to keep her. He has registered her as an emotional support animal and calls the experience of owning her "really kind of incredible." Walmart released a statement saying they welcome service animals but that exposing people to potential danger is unacceptable, so alligators are not permitted on their property. Silva said he'll respect the ban but will continue taking Jinseioshi to other places where she's welcome.
Source: Newsweek