The perception of hoarding has changed over the past years. Being acknowledged as a mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013 has certainly given law enforcement, mental health professionals, and public service workers a better, more sensitive understanding as to what is hoarding and what it means to struggle with this disorder.
When it comes to animal hoarding, the issue becomes more delicate, as it involves the lives of creatures who are, unfortunately, unable to defend and act for themselves. Approaching these scenarios with care and compassion could be a turning point in both human and animal lives. Understanding that hoarding actually is a mental disorder will change people and the community’s view on the difficult and, sometimes, traumatic scenarios they face if they look to help someone struggling with animal hoarding.
By definition, animal hoarding is a situation where a person is housing more animals than what they’re capable of while maintaining minimum standards of hygiene, nutrition, and welfare. The accumulation of animals has overwhelmed the person’s ability to provide them with the proper care and it usually results in a public health issue, as it affects both the person’s property and the community surrounding them.
Animal hoarding scenarios are dangerous and highly infectious. Animals are often kept in cages stacked indoors and are left in their own feces and urine. While cats and dogs are the most common victims of hoarding, there is no restriction to specific animals or breeds. Animal feces and urine carry multiple bacteria and diseases, so help from professionals may be necessary to decontaminate the areas from ammonia gasses and strong odors resulting from this waste.
A few signs to help identify a possible animal hoarding scenario include:
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The person has lost count on how many animals are inside the property.
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Animal hoarders often pose as animal shelters or rescue facilities. The main differentiator between hoarders and animal shelters is that hoarders usually live alone and they resist letting anyone inside their house or property due to the poor living conditions that the animals are in.
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The person tends to isolate from friends, family, and the community.
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If you do get the chance of seeing the animals and the conditions they’re living in, you may notice that they are either obese or emaciated. Caregivers don’t control their nutrition, and in the most severe cases, humane and welfare organizations have encountered scenarios where animals are found deceased.
Just like hoarding, animal hoarding may be associated with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and others. Facing an animal hoarding scenario is not easy, but anyone with the intention of helping must keep in mind that the victims have lost control and they need help and support.
Bio-One of St Paul is available 24/7 - 365 days a year
If you ever need help with approaching an animal hoarding scenario, let Bio-One of St Paul help you. Our specialists are aware of the extreme conditions in which both victims and animals may be, and our ultimate goal is to protect the life of everyone involved.
We serve the Greater Minneapolis - St Paul area: Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Gem Lake, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Maplewood, Mendota Heights, Mounds View, New Brighton North Oaks, North Saint Paul, Oakdale, Roseville, Saint Anthony, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, and surrounding communities.
If you or your loved ones are dealing with hoarding, give us a call: 651-308-1096. Bio-One… Help First, Business Second!
