It's likely a mental illness rather than an overabundance of affection
Idaho Statesman BY KATY MOELLER
On the outside, their houses and shelters may appear to be havens for dozens or hundreds of homeless and unwanted companion pets and other animals.
On the inside, the conditions are often horrific: Urine-soaked and feces-covered floors. Sick and diseased animals living on top of one another and among the carcasses of the dead. In some cases, the animals are so desperate they eat each other alive.
Why would people who profess to love animals so much keep them in such deplorable conditions?
Researchers say there are more than 2,000 new cases of animal hoarding reported each year in the United States. Analysis of a national database of animal cruelty shows a five-fold increase in reported cases from 2000 to 2006, according to a Boston veterinarian who has studied the problem for 20 years..." More
Article includes an interview with Celeste Killeen author of "Animal Hoarding: Barbara Erickson and her 552 Dogs" and additional information on "How to Spot a Hoarder" and "How to Prevent Animal Hoarding"
