San Diego
A San Diego snake breeder and county animal-control officers who seized 21 of his reptiles in a recent search of his house squared off Monday in an abatement hearing before an animal-control administrator.
Gary Sipperley, whose San Carlos home reportedly houses as many as 500 snakes, has asked for the return of 19 large pythons and king snakes seized June 28 under a search warrant. Two poisonous lizards were also confiscated in the raid, triggered by a neighbor’s complaint.
Sipperley’s attorney, Joseph Sciarretta, claimed Monday that the city ordinance cited by animal authorities is unconstitutionally vague. The law prohibits “dangerous snakes” but does not further clarify the term.
Lt. James Treece, the animal-control representative at the hearing, maintained that the snakes were confiscated for public safety. Both parties planned to call expert witnesses to argue the definition of a “dangerous snake.”
Hearing officer John Humphrey said he will ask attorneys for the county to study the constitutionality of the city ordinance. The hearing will last at least two days, according to Humphrey, and his decision will follow shortly after.
If Sipperley loses this round, he may appeal to the San Diego Superior Court, Sciarretta said.
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