Posted by:
EricWI
at Sat Aug 28 21:15:43 2010 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by EricWI ]
TAMPA - A man hospitalized after a bite from his pet snake is now facing multiple charges for illegally owning the venomous reptile.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission says Jamie DePriest, 31, was bitten by his pet Gaboon viper on August 24. Officers went to his Anderson Avenue home and the other residents outside, unsure of where the snake was. The reptile was located in its aquarium without the top on it.
DePriest, who officials say drove himself to St. Joseph's Hospital, was treated for a bite to his left index finger. He told Fish & Wildlife officials that he bought the snake in New York and brought it to Florida and knew of the state's laws regarding keeping venomous snakes as pets.
Officers say he faces eight misdemeanor charges, including owning the venomous snake without a permit and failure to properly cage the reptile.
Fish & Wildlife say two children live in the home with DePriest and his girlfriend, and an investigation is being conducted by Hillsborough deputies and Child Services regarding the safety of the kids living in the same house as the dangerous snake.
www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/owner-bitten-by-pet-viper-faces-charges-082710
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 Tampa FL Owner bitten by pet viper - EricWI, Sat Aug 28 21:15:43 2010
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