'Emotional support alligator' banned from supermarket after riding trolley

A man was left stunned after his emotional support alligator was banned from a popular supermarket - despite receiving "VIP treatment" in restaurants.

Wesley Silva, from Pennsylvania, United States, became the talk of Walmart when he stepped in with his pet, Jinseioshi, in tow. But unfortunately, they wasn't met with the reception they usually get. Wesley was gifted the reptile four years ago by his neighbour and the pair have been inseparable ever since.

"I didn't think I would actually own an alligator, ever," he explained. "It's been really kind of incredible. “We’ve gone to restaurants. We’ve been to Denny’s, where she’s a star there. She gets VIP treatment."

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Silva later registered Jinsioshi as an emotional support and has taken her everywhere with him. But two weeks ago, when entering Walmart in West Brownsville, he was told that he would be banned. "I was really taken aback by that," Silva responded. It comes after pictures of his pet being placed in a shopping trolley surfaced on social media. In the images, the 32-pound pet wore a grey dress.

Walmart confirmed they accept most service animals, but said alligators are considered dangerous. In a statement, a spokesperson told NBC affiliate WPXI: "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."

Silva says the surprise ban will not stop him from taking his alligator to different places. "I'll just go with the flow," he said. According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania does not have a state law against owning an alligator. The commision explained: "So long as these animals are not released into the wild, there are no state regulations regarding their ownership. Likewise, there is no state permit required to possess these animals.”