Animal hoarding may be extremely difficult to stop. However, victims may hoard for a wide variety of reasons, including mental disorders, delusions, loneliness, or other issues. Why animal hoarders hoard animals specifically is not really known. While some people hoard old newspapers or clothing, others hoard cats and dogs. Here, we will explore animal hoarding through a statistical lens. We will take a look at what the real face of animal hoarding is in order to dispels some rumors about hoarders, as well as how it effects many more people (and things) than just the hoarder themselves.
The Real Face of Animal Hoarding
Animal hoarding is actually a much deeper issue than just having lots of pets. It is the internal and compulsive need to not only have animals in your home, but to also control them. Normally, this compulsion starts out as wanting to care for as many animals as possible. After a while, hoarders may feel overwhelmed by the amount of attention their many pets need. They may also isolate themselves from family and friends, and avoid social situations. In the end, this condition can be expensive and sad.
By the Numbers
It might not be so shocking for readers to learn that most animal hoarders are women. In fact, around 72% of them are female. Usually cats are hoarded the most, and dogs are the second most likely animal to be hoarded. However, birds, rabbits, or nearly any other animal can also be hoarded. Of all these hoarders, nearly 100% of them, once they have started to hoard animals, will do it again. Just under half of hoarders who only collect objects will also collect animals at some point. It is unknown, however, how many animal hoarders go unreported to agencies or undetected.
Larger Than Just One Person
If you or someone you know is hoarding animals, it is important that you let someone know. Often times, the responsibility can become so overwhelming that animals may become neglected. Not only that, but animals leave behind dander, feces, urine, food, and other matter that is unsanitary. Combined, all these things can make a property unlivable for a hoarder, the animals, or even neighbors in close proximity. Properties where animal hoarders live may also never be fit for anyone to live in again, and could possibly become condemned. The cost in animal life, as well as money, is huge.
