Snake researcher's conviction upheld
He lacked permit for rubber boas
The state Division of Wildlife Resources served a search warrant on Davis County resident Ryan William Hoyer in 2004 and found 65 of the reptiles commonly referred to as rubber boa snakes on the premises. They were part of the research he did with his father, Richard, who is a biologist and an expert on these particular reptiles.
Most of the snakes died while in the state's care during the litigation that followed.
Hoyer originally was charged with a misdemeanor — illegally possessing protected wildlife — in Layton Justice Court. That case was dismissed, but then a new case was filed in Clearfield Justice Court.
Hoyer objected, stating that the law under which he was charged was too vague. He was convicted in 2006 for possessing 38 rubber boa snakes brought into Utah without a certificate of veterinary inspection or entry permit. He was acquitted of other charges.
Hoyer appealed the justice court conviction to the state district court, and after a conviction there, appealed to the Utah Court of Appeals.
However, the appeals court on Thursday said in a six-page written ruling that an ordinary person reading the law would understand that they need to get a veterinary inspection and entry permit for these animals.
"We ascertain no vagueness in the statute or rule as they have been applied to Hoyer's conduct," the court said.
E-mail: lindat@desnews.com
Recent comments
Its Ironic, Utah upholds a law stating the animals need a veterinary…
Brian | June 19, 2008 at 7:28 a.m.
Let me get this straight. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is…
Who is the Villain? | June 19, 2008 at 6:52 a.m.
You don't read very well do you. The snakes were not from Utah,…
To Duh! | June 19, 2008 at 12:38 a.m.
