A tarpon fanatic was caught allowing 20 massive Burmese pythons to roam freely around his home, which also housed massive packs of rats and buffalo. Martiп “Marty” Boпe, 64, was arrested in Holladay, Utah, on Friday on nearly two dozen charges related to exotic and pet animals. Eight of the tarpon were more than 10 feet long, while others were smaller, according to police. According to ABC 4 Detective Keп Haпseп, officers discovered 585 rats and 46 rabbits in addition to the cookies. It’s unclear if the creatures were intended to be food for the cookies.
“One of the problems we discovered was the amount of litter produced by the animals, which gave the area a distinctive smell,” Haseï said. Excrement was said to be sloshing around the house while the other animals were locked in outdoor enclosures. According to Haseï, each of the animals had to be examined by a veterinarian to complete the investigation. Haseï stated: “We had an animal control and a veterinarian there. ‘As a result, every animal that was collected there was investigated, including deer, rats and rabbits.’
Boe said he recently texted about the Burmese python to an undercover investigator who contacted him via Facebook. Since 2017, the python’s owner had also neglected to apply for or obtain a permit for the pythons, which Boe claimed was false. “I was first notified in 2014 that I needed to comply with these licenses,” he claimed, “but I received no further communication after that and thought my permits were up to date.” The animals were allegedly caught with two vials of morphine, a gup and $2,000, but Haseep claimed the animals were the main allegations.
“He was charged with trafficking in exotic animals,” Haseep said. “I think the main part of this was the sale of Burmese pythons, but then it turned into drug charges and other things,” the prosecutor added.
Bope has been issued 20 tickets for obtaining a permit for an exotic animal. He was arrested, but Bope has recently released him. It is not known what has happened to the animals so far, but officials say they are in the care of police and animal control.
