I hate snakes and am terrified by them, but it sounds like people need to do their job better

This is where a little common sense should come in to play. The Hoyers got bit bigtime on this.

How can they sue for something they can't leagally possess?

DWR can't take enough care of a few snakes to keep them alive? sounds like some people are not qualified to be working there!

The "owners" of the snakes were irresponsible by keeping the animals without making sure they had the proper permits. They hide behind genetic "research" but they just wanted to be able to breed and sell the snakes.

Did you notice it took two and a half years? The snakes weren't just put in a box and left to die by the state.

If these people had genuinely cared for their snakes, they would have left them in the wild where they belonged.

You do realize we are the ones that were sued? Guess where "The State's" revenue comes from? MY tax dollars that could be spent in a lot more places than helping out some snake grabbers.

I think the court made the right decision but for the wrong reason. The government should be required to properly care for things, whether living or dead, in their possession unless the law states it will not be returned to the owner. The right reason in this case would be that Hoyers we illegally in possession of the snakes and therefore can not be compensated for their loss. To say otherwise would be like holding the FBI liable to the pushers they conficasted a cocaine stash from. That's nuts.

Just another example of how keepers of snakes and other reptiles are singled out while any cute and cuddlies are free to go. If these were mammals or birds it would be alot different and gain more public support in the case of the keepers.
"Irresponsible"-It takes 2 years because reptiles do not have a high metabolism and once cooled can remain dormant. I'm sure the temperatures were unacceptably low, sending the snakes into a hibernating state. This state allows them to survive without food and water for good lengths of time. Just not 2 years worth.
I care greatly for my snakes. Especially the one that is no longer found in the wild, only in captivty. Due to several factors, some species are no longer found in native habitats, but still thrive in private collections. Sometimes there is no "wild" for the animals anymore.
I love it when people say it belongs in the wild. If they are right in their thoughts, then we all need to go back to europe, asia, africa and so forth, because none of us are native to america (save the true native americans).

People just don't want to live in the same neighborhood as a house full of snakes. Accidents happen and they don't want the possibility one will slither out and either bite them or squeese one of thier kids to death.

I am in favor of this law, I support what the authorities did, and you or other snake handlers don't have the right to put your neighboors at risk.

"People just don't want to live in the same neighborhood as a house full of snakes."

My neighbors come over to see them all the time. My kids play with my boas often. To say I have no right to own snakes is to say you have no right to own dogs, horses, firearms, alcohol or a vehicle. Those are more dangerous than a serpent

dogs are more injurious than exotic reptiles. check the statistics if you don't believe me