Very Unsettling

[Mustangrde1]

These are two articles That have came accross my e-mail today.

Don Williams/John Hollister Busted(info)
Abilene, Texas - Thursday - October 14, 2004

Don Williams of Abilene, Texas was taken into custody Thursday while teaching in his class at Lincoln Middle School. Williams' computer was seized and he was then physically taken to his residence where 72 venomous and protected snakes were seized by animal control, TP&W and USF&W. This story appeared on the local tv news on both Thursday and Froday. It was said that there were species of rattlesnakes that are protected by Texas and USF&W such as willardii, klauberi(AZ), edwardsi, and many others. Officials are still looking for timber rattlesnake, gila monsters and bog turtles. Officials said that Williams almost needed to be restrained when they seized his albino atrox ! He faces fines of up to or higher than $50,000, seizure of his two properties where the illegal snakes were found, and certain jail time both state and federal.

Based on Williams' close association with John Hollister, and an e-mail found in Williams possession from Randy Ellis of Reptile Locators which gave officials probable cause for a warrant, officials then proceeded to Hollisters residence where they seized 27 venomous snakes. Hollister was on his way to St. Louis to give a talk at a reptile meeting, so officials kicked in his door to gain access. Officials stated that it was the worst case of animal cruelty they had ever seen in Abilene; snakes dead or dying in cages, dead rodents in one form of decay or another, multiple defications and sheds, no water and poor ventilation. In addition, there were dead snakes just thrown into Hollisters freezer among the food without being bagged or separated. Officials worked until 11:30 at night cleaning up the animals Hollister had and making sure they had water. Upon Hollisters return, he faces 27 counts of having venomous snakes inside the city limits and almost 100 counts of animal cruelty; warrants are waiting for him.
Bob Assetto was also part of this investigation and he is still subject to arrest as well. Officials have almost two years of shed skins, phone records, credit card records, postal records, photo and video survallence, and computer records. Hollisters computer was seized as well.




Seizure of snakes may be hiss-toric
By Sidney Levesque / Reporter-News Staff Writer
October 16, 2004

Authorities suspect the more than 100 snakes corralled in two raids this week are part of a network of people who buy and sell venomous snakes for collectors.

The snake busts occurred at two Abilene homes on Thursday. This may be the largest venomous-snake bust Abilene has ever had, said Alvin O'Dell, program manager for the city's animal control office.

Charges have not been filed or citations issued in the snake bust. No names have been released, and an investigation is ongoing.

Owning a venomous snake is illegal in the city of Abilene. The punishment is a fine similar to a traffic ticket. If threatened or endangered species are found, charges become more serious.

So far, no such snakes have been found. Some rattlesnakes indigenous to the area were confiscated. Others were from Central America.

The local office of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department conducted the first snake bust Thursday. Eighty poisonous snakes were seized from a home, said Capt. Sparks Burdett, a game warden.

The second, smaller snake seizure Thursday night was conducted by city animal control, which was acting on a tip, O'Dell said. About 25 snakes were seized at the second home.

The snakes were taken to the Abilene Zoo. A permanent home for the reptiles has not been determined, O'Dell said.

One of the homes where snakes were seized was in the 2900 block of South 7th Street. Neighbor Johnna Hookings said the snakes did not pose a threat, and she did not understand why they were removed.

''I've seen them before, and they were all in cages,'' she said. ''They were his pets.''

Some of the snakes were dehydrated and thin when they arrived at the zoo, said Jeff Bullock, zoo director. He said one viper needs surgery.



I am shaking my head about this one. If and that is a giant IF John was doing it shame to him and I hope he gets whats comming.

My gut however tells me he will be proven to be legal and within his rights. As John does rescues it would not suprise me one bit that the " viper" in question may indeed need surgery as it most likely was a rescue which would easily explain it. As to the Kicking in the door. That has me a little bothered and confused why they would do that instead of simply waiting for him to arrive home. Over eager officers is my guess.