Jake Stinson found guilty of animal cruelty after police find dead snakes in car

A snake catcher found with 26 snakes, some dead and decomposing in his van has faced court. SEE THE VIDEO

Jake Stinson, former snake catcher pleads guilty following animal cruelty findings. Photo: Lexa Smith

A Moore Park Beach man has been sentenced after being found guilty of serious animal cruelty for snakes he was meant to be rehoming.

Jake Stinson, a 22-year-old licensed snake catcher, was charged following the discovery of 26 snakes in his van during a routine traffic stop on March 2.

The then 22-year-old operated Jake’s Reptile Relocations, a service used by residents in the area to handle snake issues.

He was accused of inflicting severe suffering or having unlawfully killed or caused serious injury to animals from December 2023 to the third of March 2024.

Stinson pleaded guilty to one count of serious animal cruelty.

During the police search, officers uncovered 26 snakes, 13 of which were dead and found in “various states of decomposition.”

The snakes, mostly pythons, were discovered in the back of Stinson’s van.

The court heard there were two snakes that died after the seizure, one to euthanasia and another succumbed to its injuries.

The living snakes were treated and ‘rehomed’.

Video footage released by police showed officers searching the vehicle, with one of them saying, “There’s one just sitting in your car, mate,” after finding a snake.

Police also said that the snakes were living in unsanitary conditions, which led to concerns for their welfare.

Stinson, who was previously known for his polite and professional services as a snake catcher, had been a well-known figure in Bundaberg, responding to requests for help with snake relocations.

A review on his services from a resident described him as “very professional, prompt, and brave,” after he successfully removed a 5ft eastern brown snake from a garden shed.

However, the discovery of the snakes in his van painted a starkly different picture.

Crown Prosecutor, Nikita Aganoff said she thought the offence was serious.

“The community would expect that a person who owns a snake catching business would operate their business in an ethical and humane manner.”

Defence barrister, Jordan Ahlstrand raised Stinson’s self proclaimed ‘burnout from work’ at the time of the findings.

However, Judge Michael Byrne said what Stinson did wasn't a simple lapse, it was an ‘intentional’ offence.

Mr Ahlstrand said Stinson had no criminal history and suffered anxiety and schizophrenia.

Jake William Stinson out front of Bundaberg Courthouse. Photo: Lexa Smith

Judge Byrne said things ‘fell off the rails,’ for Stinson while he was off medication.

Mr Ahlstrand said Stinson’s family members had rallied behind him and that they were a great support network.

He said Stinsons business was no longer operating and he is now working as a gardener and landscaper.

Judge Byrne sentenced Stinson to two years probation and he can no longer be in the possession of snakes, leaving his two domesticated snakes to be rehomed.
No conviction was recorded.

Jake Stinson of Jake's Reptile Relocations has been sentenced after police found multiple snakes, dead and alive, in his van. Picture: Bundaberg Now

Stinson moved to Bundaberg from Canberra in 2018 and obtained his certification in 2020 after training with snake catchers in Canberra, Bateman’s Bay, and Bundaberg.