Posted by:
azatrox
at Tue Nov 4 10:05:17 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by azatrox ]
not familiar with this case, it's a fascinating scenario of governmental gaffaws, backpedaling and stalling. Mr. Hoyer was ORIGINALLY charged with possession of southern rubber boas (which are protected). Both Utah authorities and federal authorities were involved in the initial phases of the "investigation", but when it became clear that the Hoyers did NOT possess ACTUAL southern rubber boas, the feds dropped out completely without so much as an explanation.
Due to the expense incurred by the state, Utah proceeded to convict Ryan of importing rubber boas into Utah without an agricultural permit (an archaic law that was primarily intended for livestock, poultry, etc....not reptiles). Ryan (quite correctly) pointed out that numerous importations of "wildlife" are done everyday into Utah without such a permit...(i.e. reptile shops, pet stores, etc.)...The great state of Utah just HAD to justify this "operation" with a ridiculous charge for a selectively enforced statute.
Suffice it to say that people should steer clear of Utah...I know I will....
-Kris
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For those - azatrox, Tue Nov 4 10:05:17 2008