Understanding Animal Hoarding

When a story about animal hoarding breaks, it’s news; animal hoarders collect dozens, sometimes hundreds, of animals before they are exposed, and by the time help arrives, many are dead or dying.  Cases like this are shocking.  They are also shockingly common.  At an estimated 250,000 animals affected annually, the Animal Legal Defense Fund calls animal hoarding the most prominent crisis facing companion animals today. 

Most people react to stories of hoarding with outrage and disgust, but hoarding is a complex and difficult problem to address.  Individuals who hoard animals are mentally ill; most take in animals out of a desire to “save” them, but are unable to provide even the most minimal care.  They experience a complete disconnect when it comes to perceiving the harm that they cause, and refuse help when it is offered, because they truly believe that they are doing what is best for the animals in their care.  It’s hard for outside observers to understand, when to us, the neglect is so evident and so extreme; but railing against and demonizing animal hoarders will not solve the problem.  Animals can be seized and people can be prosecuted, but without psychiatric help, someone who is compelled to hoard animals will almost always relocate and begin the cycle again.  At present, the legal system in most places (and certainly not in Kentucky) doesn't throw its weight around when it comes to animal cruelty cases, and it almost never addresses the mental health problems that underlie the cruelty itself. 

There are some common signs to look for if you suspect that someone you know may be hoarding animals.  Hoarders often will say that they have many animals, but will not provide specific numbers (and in fact may not even know how many animals they have).  Their homes are often deteriorated on the interior, with evidence of built-up feces and urine; they may refuse entrance to outside parties, or continually find excuses to prevent others from viewing the property.  The animals will show signs of health problems, but the hoarder will always have an excuse that diverts blame from themselves; they may also state that the animals are happy and healthy, even though it is evident that they are not.  

One of the scariest aspects of the hoarding mentality, from the average animal lover's perspective, is that hoarders often pass themselves off - very successfully - as rescuers or pet care professionals.  Many even achieve 501c3 non-profit status.  So how can you tell if the person you are considering entrusting with your pet's life is on the up-and-up?  First, insist on seeing the "facility;" if the rescuer, boarder, or pet sitter won't allow you to do so, don't go any further.  Ask for specifics on how many animals are in the individual's care, how long they stay, what veterinary care will be provided, and what efforts are made to adopt them out.  Check veterinary references. 

If you suspect that someone in your life is an animal hoarder, please seek help immediately; this is not a problem that will resolve itself, and for the sake of both the person and the animals involved, it cannot go unaddressed.  Don't wait - report suspected hoarding situations to your local Animal Control agency, and continue to make reports until something is done.