Former owner of Beechview alligator found guilty of reckless endangerment, other care charges

PITTSBURGH — Mark McGowan was found guilty of reckless endangerment after his pet alligator “Chomp” escaped from his Beechview home in June 2019.

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He was found guilty and sentenced to two years probation for recklessly endangering another person related to Chomp’s escape. Part of that probation includes a two-year ban on owning any animals.

The judge pointed to McGowan not calling the police when he rendered the verdict.

“Mr. McGowan was demonized through this process since the day these charges were filed. Our position is he was wrongfully demonized. He was a really well-respected member of the reptile community,” explained Julia Gitelman, McGowan’s attorney.

Taking the stand in his own defense this afternoon, McGowan testified the alligator was his pet and escaped while he was cleaning the enclosure. He stated this happened without his knowledge.

When the assistant district attorney asked why he didn’t call the police right away, McGowan responded, “Honestly, I didn’t know what to do. I was in a panic.”

The judge acquitted McGowan on an animal abuse charge related to Chomp’s escape.

He was also found not guilty on several summary animal neglect charges related to how reptiles like alligators and snakes were kept inside his home.

McGowan was found guilty on several summary offenses related to the living conditions of rabbits, hairless rats and quail inside his home. His prohibition on owning animals will extend the length of his two-year probation.

McGowan ran an exotic animal business out of his home when the gator, named Chomp, got out.

Pittsburgh police body cameras captured video of Mark McGowan picking up an alligator inside his Beechview home.

It was recorded while carrying out search warrant in June 2019, just days after his pet alligator, “Chomp,” escaped and was found on a nearby sidewalk by a neighbor walking his dog.

This led to dozens of charges of animal cruelty and recklessly endangering another person.

While executing the search warrant, police and animal control officers seized more than 30 animals, including alligators, snakes and hairless rats.

A reptile expert from the Pittsburgh zoo who was at McGowan’s house testified to seeing feces on the floor and in the habitats.

A police officer who did an animal wellness check the day before the search warrant also testified alligators were kept in Rubbermaid containers.

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