| Barbara
Ann Forbes |
Hoarding
7 dogs, 5 cats, 10 hamsters and mice |
Spartanburg
County, SC |
July
19, 2006 |
(Photo courtesy of WSPA TV7) Forbes, age 50 is
facing animal cruelty charges for a 2nd time. Forbes
was arrested after an anonymous tip led code enforcement officers to her home
at 1409 Fairfield Rd. Forbes told Spartanburg County Environmental
Enforcement that some of the animals belonged to her 19-year old son, Travis.
7 dogs, 5 cats, 10 hamsters and several mice were
living in horrible conditions. Forbes faces 5 counts of
animal cruelty among other charges. The charges could bring 30 days in jail
for each charge. Forbes was issued 7 tickets at $155 each
for failing to prove any of the animals had been vaccinated for rabies.
Forbes lived in a camper and
tents with no electricity or running water after losing her home – the animals
lived where ever there was space. One of the dogs, named Spike was not captured.
Animal Control left a trap set for the dog. Another dog was found in the
woods tied to a stump with a 6-foot chain, a bowl of water sat 4-feet from
the end of the chain. Several mice and 1 hamster were found in Forbe’s small
tow-behind camper. 1 dog was found dead under the camper.
Forbes served jail time last
year for animal cruelty. Last year Forbes was charged with
animal cruelty but no animals were taken away. Enforcement officers have
been dealing with Forbes on and off for 3 years.
In 1998, Forbes was convicted
of child neglect and received a 10-year suspended sentence with 5 years probation,
according to State Law Enforcement Division Records.
(Photo courtesy of John Byrum, GoUpstate) The animals were seized and are
being cared for at the Spartanburg Humane Society. One of the dogs a Dachshund
is very emaciated. A cat has a deformed leg, a result of an improperly healed
broken leg. 2 huskies were dehydrated, with thick coats of fur that did not
appear to be shedding. Failure to shed is a sign of dehydration. The remaining
dogs had matted hair and long, overgrown nails. 1 of the dogs might have
to be euthanized for a case of mange. Some of the cats have upper respiratory
problems
Forbe’s camper has been condemned because it is
illegal to permanently live in a camper, according to county ordinances.
On July 21st, Forbes
forfeited ownership of all her pets. Unable to pay a $500 bond, she remains
in jail with a court hearing scheduled for August 15th 2006.
Reference:
WSPA TV7
GoUpstate