Humane Hassle
Illustration by Francisco Caceres
Ryan Turner had every right to raise a stink about a skunk attempting to take up residence in his residence in South Salt Lake, Utah. After it scavenged his groceries and sprayed its universally identifiable scent under his bed, Turner requested that the city remove the malodorous marauder.
The city responded by offering to drop off a trap for a $50 deposit, but Turner’s girlfriend declined. It just so happens, though, that the neighboring property is a city-owned lot. Turner talked to employees there, and they agreed to put out a trap on a Friday afternoon in August. The animal was captured that evening.
Over the weekend, Turner is alleged to have moved the trap from the city lot into his yard, saying he wanted to put the overheated animal in shade until Monday, when it would be retrieved. That’s when the city stepped in.
After an animal control officer reported the trap missing, Turner was cited for criminal trespass; he reportedly faces fines of more than $600. After a court appearance in November, Turner was scheduled for trial on Jan. 8.
In spite of his legal woes, Turner seems to harbor no ill will toward the striped stinker. “I’d rather be in the situation I’m in now,” he told the Salt Lake Tribune, “than not do anything.”
