Sunday, August 15, 2010

On the Positive Side: Communities should be aware of animal hoarding signs

By Judy Long

In recent times, Las Cruces has seen several animal hoarding cases brought into public view. At first glance, these seem like monstrous aberrations far removed from the situations of our own well-cared-for pets. But there is a connection. Animal hoarding is animal loving gone astray.

The criteria used to define animal hoarders:*

•They have more than the usual number of companion animals

•They are not providing even minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter and veterinary care

•They are in denial about the inadequacy of their animal care. They resist any communication about negative impact on their animals, the physical state of the dwelling and the disruption of human relationships.*

Common signs of an incipient animal hoarder are deteriorating conditions and denial or lack of insight that there is a problem. Like so many animal welfare issues, recognition of the problem requires moving from the individual focus to the community level. Animal hoarders do not make this mental transition..." More

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