Animal Cruelty by Another Name: the Redundancy of Animal Hoarding Law

Jason E. Schwalm, University of Louisville

Abstract

Animal hoarding – the practice of collecting a large number of animals but failing to provide them with adequate food, water, shelter and sanitation - presents unique challenges to the legal system. However, in all but a few states, a general anti-cruelty provision is used to prosecute animal hoarders. Some legal scholars have proposed the adoption of specific anti-hoarding statutes. These statutes are meant to address the failure of anti-cruelty laws to effectively punish animal hoarders and deter further hoarding behavior. Instead, legislatures should ensure that existing anti-cruelty statutes effectively address hoarding behavior, by amending the required level of intent, and by ensuring that courts and law enforcement officials are equipped to address the psychological dimension of hoarding behavior.

Read the entire paper here

Suggested Citation

Jason E. Schwalm. "Animal Cruelty by Another Name: the Redundancy of Animal Hoarding Laws" The Journal of Animal and Environmental Law 1.1 (2009): 32-60.

Family members say alleged cat hoarder suffers from mental illness

There is new information about a woman who animal control says hoarded dozens of cats in her small apartment.

47 cats and a dog were seized after animal control found deplorable conditions inside the residence.

The woman, who has been identified as Lynn Jackson, has been known as an animal hoarder for at least the past seven years.

Family members say she suffers from mental illness that has been incredibly debilitating.

They say they just want their loved one to get help before the problem gets worse..." More & video

Oct 14, 2009: Woman sought for hoarding dozens of animals

by Charles Gazaway

LOUISVILLE- Authorities are searching for a woman accused of abandoning dozens of cats and a dog.

Metro Animal Services posted abandonment notices outside the apartment at 1517 Oleanda Avenue after getting complaints from neighbors. After MAS was able to get a warrant to get inside the home, they found all over four dozen animals inside living in filth.

“So you can imagine 47 cats?” said Jackie Gulbe of Metro Animal Services. “We don't know how long they were unattended, but the conditions were pretty bad.”

Metro Animal Services was able to save the cats, kittens and the dog. They will watch them for the next five days to see if they're suitable for adoption.

Officials are still looking for the owner, Lynn Jackson. When found, she will likely face charges.

If you are looking to adopt a cat, MAS is offering $25.00 off its adoption fee for cats that are six months or older until November 1..." More