Nile monitor (very mad at how he was treated)

[Minkness]

Depending on your state laws an animal is considered 'yours' after 30 days of care not under contract. (Meaning, so long as the owner doesn't have it in writing that you are only to care for it, but it is still his, it will legally be yours after 30 days).

Again, look at your local laws of 'animal abandonment' before making this decision.