Comments about ‘2 men can't sue state over snakes’

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

the hoyers are THE experts on rubber boas. they should be applauded for what credible and previously unavailable information they have provided to the reptile loving community. they seem to be the only experts on this species out there. these snakes dont grow to much over 2 feet very often and dont bite as a defensive reflex anyway. these snakes are the most docile snake that i know of and couldn't harm someone if they tried because their size. the laws pertaining to these snakes are super confusing and strict. another product of bad information from environmental groups trying to protect all animals from the "evil" humans. although, i believe that we cant just break laws that we dont agree with, i can see how someone could have these snakes and not know that they are possessing them illegally.

the info these guys have provided to the public has jump started individuals interest in the captive husbandry and breeding of these animals. this relieves pressure on wild populations from people catching them for pets. these guys are good people that are research minded, not profit driven. just read some of their articles they have written. this is a shame. it's not like there aren't more important things for the government to be investigating.

i hope that the DWR is proud of what they did. i mean, what was the point? to save the snakes from the hoyers? well they really screwed that up. if the snakes stayed with them, they would probably all still be alive along with whatever ofspring they generated. now almost 90% are dead. if these snakes were so in need of protection because of being endangered or whatever, then look at what the DWR did to the already fragile population. if the hoyers did wrong, then hold them accountable, but the DWR should be a little more resourceful and responsible in finding adequate quarters for these animals. why couldnt they be released? why couldn't they give them foster homes? these animals are not hard to care for at all. they dont even require additional heat of lighting beyond room temp and ambient daylight. common sense has died in utah.