From Deseret News archives:
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, and...
To Duh! | June 19, 2008 at 12:38 a.m.
- Two American pilots die in Iraq 12:47 a.m.
- Murder suspect is vetran, avid skier 12:47 a.m.
- MLB: Zambrano's mom kidnapped 12:32 a.m.
- Lambert surprisingly tops news 12:25 a.m.
- Philadelphia transit strike ends 12:25 a.m.
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd 12:24 a.m.
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf' 12:17 a.m.
- RSL unfazed by conference final 12:17 a.m.
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated 12:17 a.m.
- Today on TV 12:13 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill
201 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
151 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
129 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
101 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89 - BYU cuts Women's Research Institute
88
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
NASA's Stardust probe continues to bring new knowledge about the nature...
STOP blaming the Democrats, BLAME THE REPUBLICANS FOR 8 YEARS DOING NOTHING...
The best way to break the law is to become someone who enforces the law.
It's a real shame so many folks have never gotten out and gotten to know the...
It's all talk... you do not have any evidence for your claims. You assume...
Maybe if you could bat .408 in the major leagues, you too would be paid a...
I prefer the “Wizard of Earthsea” quartet by Ursula Le Guin, an...
The bottom line question that no one can possibly answer is; what will be the...
It looks to me like special treatment.
Jazz will have a tough week, with what should be a easy win against the...
I am very excited for this game. As much as I want the Utes to win, it won't...

