Monday, September 13, 2010

Animal hoarding: Know when to quit

by Sandra Haros

While the reality show, "Animal Hoarding," may go to extremes, there are limits, says Lt. John Reynolds with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.

NBC's "Today" spotlighted the reality show as it began in July, showing a woman with 260 cats, a diabetic with 20 dogs.

"Limits will vary depending on the city," Reynolds said. "Most cities have no limit on the numbers of dogs and cats that you can keep, but some do.

"For example, Goodyear has a limit of four household pets on a residential property and the same holds true for Fountain Hills."

Linda Soto with Animal Care and Control adds that homeowners associations often have restrictions.

Whether or not there are legal limits, Reynolds said people should analyze their individual limits.

"There's some people who really are not able to handle more than one or two. That could be because of economic reasons, they may just not have the money to be able to take care of more."

Soto said the county agency makes inquiries after people adopt a second pet.

"It's not that we will eliminate people, but we like to ask and find out what the situation is -- how those animals are doing and pretty much determine if we feel it's appropriate to place another pet into the home.".." More & video


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