Friday, November 26, 2010

ANIMAL HOARDING


By Brenda Bassett


The Humane Society said animal hoarding appears to be a growing problem in the Treasure State. Recent cases show hundreds of pets placed in dismal conditions by owners who believe they're doing what's right..." More


ANIMAL HOARDING PART 1: A GROWING PROBLEM


The Humane Society said animal hoarding appears to be a growing problem in the Treasure State. Recent cases show hundreds of pets placed in dismal conditions by owners who believe they're doing what's right, but could it be "good intentions gone bad?"

"It's very emotional. You're seeing what the animals are going through, how they're living, you know they're living in horrible condition, very unsanitary conditions," said Wendy Hergenraeder the State Director for the Humane Society of the United States.

A surplus of animals with medical or behavioral problems affects communities and shelters by exhausting funding and leaving authorities with difficult decisions. "When they go into shelter situations, sometimes the more adoptable animals in the shelter have to be euthanized because they have to make room for the animals coming in," said Hergenraeder..." More & video


ANIMAL HOARDING PART 2: KAPSA REVISITED


It's estimated that there are 900 to 2,000 new cases of animal hoarding reported every year nationwide.

One Ballantine woman whose home was raided in 2009 for allegedly hoarding animals said it still hurts like an open wound. "It's like taking a knife and stabbing you in the heart. You know life goes on, but it's not the same, never will be. It just hurts so much," said Linda Kapsa.

Kapsa said she's been breeding dogs for more than 45 years. "With the economy and everything, things were slow, just like a lot of things but you go with the wave and ride it out," said Kapsa.

Authorities raided Kapsa's property on two separate occasions in 2009. She was charged with neglecting more than 200 dogs. "The dogs were under socialized, severely under socialized. Dental, ear, eye problems," said Dave Pauli, the Director of Wildlife Response for the Humane Society of the United States..." More & video



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