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In the Minds of Animal Hoarders

August 13th, 2010

I watched a couple of episodes of Animal Planet’s new show, “Confessions: Animal Hoarding.”

I knew little about animal hoarding, except that the people doing it most often feel they are somehow saving the animals, even when the pets are clearly in poor condition and often sick and dying.

As I wrote a few weeks ago, the Humane Society of the U.S. estimates that 250,000 pets are the victims of animal hoarders.

Little is known about the disorder that triggers hoarding, but it is believed hoarders have an attachment disorder. “They have a desperate need to be attached and to control another living creature,” says Mary Lou Randour, director of professional outreach in the animal cruelty and fighting campaign for the HSUS. “But they are in denial and don’t see the suffering.”

A few months ago, after interviewing Madeline Bernstein, president of the SPCALA for the story on Scooch and pet trusts, I saw her on the Dr. Phil show with an animal hoarder. She seemed very sympathetic to the hoarder. I wondered how anyone in animal welfare could be sympathetic to anyone neglecting and killing animals.

I didn’t understand until I watched the shows on animal hoarding, which had me crying in sympathy with the people involved as much as I was for the pets.

The show really brings to light the fact that these people absolutely do not understand what they’re doing. “It’s like someone who is anorexic being on the verge of death, but they still see themselves as fat,” says Randour. “We all think, ‘how can they not see that’? But the disorder distorts the reality.”

Here are some of the signs someone you love or a neighbor might be headed toward hoarding:

• Hoarders often start out by rescuing homeless animals. They maybe be know in their communities for doing this and people may even routinely dump unwanted animals at their door. Hoarders sometimes pose as legitimate, non-profit 501C3 rescues.
• Hoarders are usually slightly older and usually have suffered a major loss in their lives or maybe overcame a very troubled time such as winning the fight with a major illness.
• Hoarders will most often think they are the only ones who can care for the animals.

How can you help the animals in a hoarding situation and the hoarder:

• If you think a family member might be headed toward hoarding, intervene immediately before the situation gets out of hand. One of our Rescue Me readers commented several weeks ago that her mother had rescued several cats and suddenly found herself with more than she could care for. It’s unknown if that reader’s mother was headed toward hoarding, but that is exactly how it starts, says Randour. “Step in and be direct and have a plan in place,” says Randour. “Find good homes or rescues for all but 2-3 animals.” (of course, make sure those remaining pets are spayed/neutered)
• Randour says if it is a neighbor or a friend, you can try to talk to them and help them, but if the situation is already out of control, reporting the issue to authorities is necessary. “Reporting is not doing anyone a disservice. The animals need our help because they depend on us for protection, but the people need help too.”
• If the neighbor is elderly, you might also try calling elder services. “Depending on how bad of a situation it is, it’s probably a housing or health violation,” says Randour. “Call the police if you feel the person is in danger.”
• Even after the situation is under control – the animals have been taken away and the person says they are receiving counseling – keep your eyes open. Hoarders have a very high rate of repeating the behavior.

Have you ever known a hoarder or do you think someone you know might be on their way to hoarding?

Related Posts

• An Example of Why you Should Never Shock a Puppy
• Pets are a Long-Term Commitment
• Do Puppy Mill Laws Help Reduce the Numbers?
• Hector: Changing Hearts and Minds
• Five Simple Things You can do

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Posted in K9 Rescue | 6 Comments »

6 Responses to “In the Minds of Animal Hoarders”

1. Kathleen Winn says:

   August 14, 2010 at 9:49 am

   Kerri- this is a great topic for discussion among animal lovers. Knowing how to distinguish between a hoarder and a legitimate animal rescuer is important. You made reference in your article to my own mother, I believe, and looking at the above warning signs, there is no doubt in my mind that she was headed for an out of control cat population in her home. Fortunately, my sister and I intervened and reduced her cats down to just two, which we also paid to have spayed.

   My sister owns a horse stable out in the country and has rescued everything from elderly horses to chickens (no kidding!) The population of animals at her place fluctuates as strays show up, feral cats keep having litters of kittens and people dump animals near her place. (She believes that people in the community have come to realize that she cannot turn away an animal in need, and take advantage of her compassionate heart.)

   The difference between my sister and someone who hoards is that it is never my sister’s goal to keep all the animals she rescues- she tries desperately to find homes for them all. She also uses her own limited resources to spay and neuter so the problem doesn’t get worse.

   Thanks for posting this important info on animal hoarders. My understanding is that people who do this, end up with animals as diseased and neglected as dogs in puppy mills, as their population of pets increases to an unmanageable number. Very important topic!
2. kerrifivecoatcampbell says:

   August 14, 2010 at 1:14 pm

   Thanks for your comments, Kathleen (and yes, I was referring to the situation with your mom!) The HSUS sent kudos to you and your sister for taking immediate action! Thanks for reading and for commenting.
3. Mary Cox says:

   August 17, 2010 at 10:02 am

   It is very, very important to make the distinction between true animal hoarders (or hoarders in general) and reputable rescue organizations – especially those that are home based. As the TV show shows over and over again, hoarders cannot afford Vet bills, spay/neuter or eventually provide individual emotional care for all the animals they have taken in or allowed to reproduce. Individuals within reputable rescue groups – no matter how many they may have – have a personal top number limit and will not go over that is at all possible. They spend money at the Vet clinic and do not try to diagnose and treat without consultation with their Vet. Sick animals are quarenteened so no one else gets sick. All animals in their care are spayed/neutered as soon as possible after being accepted and definately before going to a new home. Pediatric neuter is a current concern, and all reputable groups will have spay/neuter contracts and will follow up to make sure it is done within the time frame allowed. Those of us who rescue are trying to be part of the solution, not contribute to the problem. It is so easy to get in over your head because it is devistating to say “no” to taking in a dog from a shelter knowing it will probably be euthanized for space. It is so easy to think “I am the only one who can take proper care of this animal” But we also realize that being one of many is not as good as being the only one in a loving home. The best situation is where the best interest of each individual animal is the most important thing to keep in mind. I believe that the more this problem is presented the more people will realize exactly what it is and be more willing to call authorities before it is way too late for a lot of the animals involved. Unfortunately, sometimes getting authorities to respond in a timely manner is part of the problem.

   Thanks for the great article.
4. kerrifivecoatcampbell says:

   August 18, 2010 at 5:49 am

   Thank you, Mary, for clarifying the difference between a legitimate home based rescue and hoarders. Very much appreciated. I volunteer with a home based rescue that is definitely not a hoarder and I have the utmost respect for those of you who make a difference.
5. Heather Larson says:

   August 18, 2010 at 9:19 am

   Hoarding of any kind is a very complex disorder most people don’t understand and usually have little tolerance for the hoarder. I really appreciate your suggestions as to what to do if you think you know an animal hoarder.
6. kerrifivecoatcampbell says:

   August 18, 2010 at 9:29 am

   Thank you for reading, Heather.