Alan Robert Forbes to face trial of 55 counts of ill treatment of animals

A southern suburbs reptile breeder has told the court of his bowel movements as he faces 55 counts of ill-treatment of an animal.

A “well regarded” snake keeper told the court his legal proceedings had given him diarrhoea and demanded for medical assistance before running out the courtroom.

Alan Forbes, of Hackham, said he objected to Magistrate Lynette Duncan’s ruling on an application that would see him lose care of 52 reptiles to the Department of Environment and Water for an order authorising be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the Minster deems fit.

Seated at the bar table, Mr Forbes became visibly distressed, tapping his feet and moving around in his chair as Magistrate Duncan spoke to the court.

Alan Forbes is charged with 55 counts of ill treatment of an animal. Picture: Facebook

It was as the subject of the condition of the reptiles at the time of their seizure versus their current state were being assessed, that Mr Forbes yelled he objected to Magistrate Duncan’s ruling, citing mental health issues.

“This is actually making me shake and I just don’t understand any of this,” Mr Forbes said.

“I need to go to hospital, I think I am having an epileptic episode … I’m feeling dizzy.

“I’ve already had diarrhoea twice this morning before coming here.”

Mr Forbes then asked for an ambulance before running out of the courtroom.

Self represented, Mr Forbes is facing 55 counts of ill-treatment of an animal, all being reptiles after it was alleged he was not providing the animals with sufficient living conditions while also not having the proper permits to keep a number of the reptiles.

The court heard that on May 25, 2021 a warrant was issued in relation to animals on premises owned by Mr Forbes.

The warrant was then executed on June 1 of the same year, with authorities seizing up to 63 live animals and transported to the Cleland Wildlife Park for veterinary assessment.

“The animals have since remained at Cleland Wildlife Park housed in a purpose built construction area,” Magistrate Duncan said.

“Six of the animals have since died or have been euthanized.

“Mr Forbes has disputed the evidence saying he did in fact have the appropraite permit is well regarded by even members of the department.”

At an earlier court appearance, a legal representative for the Environment Department told the court there should be a significant penalty with a maximum $20,000 fine or two-year imprisonment period if Mr Forbes was found guilty.

Mr Forbes will return in October for trial.