W. VA Man charged after large python escapes

[Bogertophis]

See link to news article here.

I really wonder how they are able to charge him given that the animal escaped (was not purposefully set loose). I'd love input from those in W. VA that may know the law better there or more about the case.

I also wonder if they would charge the owner of a large dangerous dog if their animal escaped in a similar situation....

I wonder how he was transporting it, that it was able to escape? I don't know the laws in W. VA, but they have a point about failing to control a dangerous animal, IMO.

That's a great question, what they'd do if it was a dangerous dog instead? I would expect maybe a citation, but more severe charges if anyone is hurt as a result? But
the other question is whether this was a legal pet to begin with...if the owner had any permits for it, if needed by local laws?

I know one thing for sure...our community of snake-keepers doesn't need this sort of publicity. I hope they find it. Remember too that exotic animals released into
the wild can carry risks of diseases & non-native parasites that can threaten our native herps...that matters a great deal to me.

I see it got loose at the end of May, so it's been loose for a month now so far; that woods is so thick with growth, they'd have to get really lucky to spot it.