Valley sees big jump in number of animal hoarding cases

by: Corey Rangel

It's a sad and shocking statistic.

The Arizona Humane Society says they have seen the number of animal hoarding cases soar 25 percent the past year.

Stacie DaBolt, Manager of Field Operations, said workers saw 280 cases in 2009.

“Fifty to 60 cats would be an average. Dogs it's probably 25 to 50,” said DaBolt.

She said most homes where they find the animals are covered in urine and feces, and the smell is embedded in the furniture and walls.

In her experience, DaBolt said most hoarders are women between the ages of 40 and 50 who live alone.

“Some major trauma has happened in their life which led them to start seeking out animals for the love and security they bring. Then, for some reason, whatever the conditions are, they just get overwhelmed and it gets out of hand for them,” said DaBolt.

In most cases, the living conditions are unhealthy for both the owner and the pets.

Many times, some of the animals do not survive because of health problems...." More

Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force

In a news conference today Mayor Dixon, joined by elected officials, animal rights activists and various leaders, announced the creation of the Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force. This group will develop recommendations to improve both prevention and prosecution of animal abuse. They will be working closely with Animal Control, city officials, animal rights groups, and the general public.

According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, she stated that, “The protection and safety of animals in the City of Baltimore is an important concern. This is more than a legal issue. This is a community issue. If you improve animal welfare in a community, you improve public safety for everyone.”

The task force will be looking for ways to prevent animal abuse as well as recommendations for improving training for law enforcement officers and animal control officers. They will also review current legislation as well as make suggestions for improved legislation to protect animals and better prosecute abusers. Finally, the task force will develop methods for improving awareness of animal cruelty laws.

It is the hope of all those involved to prevent incidents of abuse like Phoenix, the pit bull who was set on fire, from occurring in the future. Link

Check out Baltimore City's website to learn more about the task force.