The problem of animal hoarding

Animal hoarding is defined as failure to provide minimal standards of care for animals, denial that there is a problem… coupled with obsessive attempts to maintain and even increase the number of animals in the face of deteriorating conditions.

Hoarding directly affects at least 3000 persons per year, devastates considerably more families and relationships, threatens the health of minors and dependant adults, incurs significant costs to communities and harms hundreds of thousands of animals annually.

Gary J. Patronek, VMD, PhD

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Many of these animals are kept in inappropriate, inadequate, and over crowded conditions that cause starvation, disease, behavioral problems or death. Floors may be covered with feces and urine, and the air so thick with ammonia that it may be difficult to breathe inside. Ignored, these cases often get so bad that law enforcement intervention, arrest and criminal prosecution are the only options.

Maria Vaca-Guzman, Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine

For more info:
www.tufts.edu

Do you know an animal hoarder?

Do you have a family member, friend or neighbor who owns more pets than they can care for – but refuses to admit there’s a problem?

Are you an animal care provider, law enforcement officer or pet lover concerned that someone in your community might be an animal hoarder?

Animal hoarding is a widespread problem that for too long has either been ignored – or left to law enforcement. There is a better answer – but you need to get involved.

The producers of Intervention are making a new documentary series for Animal Planet on animal hoarding. We’re working with the Humane Society of the United States and top experts to offer solutions that are effective and compassionate to both the animals – and the person trying to care for them. It is possible to do something about this dangerous situation before it gets out of control.

If you care about someone who might be an animal hoarder – or care about their pets - please provide some information for us here.