Heartbreaking hoard of hoarders
One of the state's worst cases of animal hoarding surfaced yesterday when Lynnfield police announced they had found nearly 200 animals in a single-family Lynnfield home. This came only a month after the MSPCA rescued 65 birds from a home in Lawrence.
The impulsive collecting of objects, a common issue in the US, seems to fascinate people – noted by the success of shows like A&E's "Hoarders." Although some hoarders intend to provide real care for their animals, they quickly become so overwhelmed that proper care is impossible. When hoarders are caught, shelters can become overcrowded with hundreds of animals at once.
But hang on, animal lovers. There's a little bit of hope at the end. Here are some harrowing stories of hoarding – some with happy endings.
Humane officers removed 116 animals – cats and dogs with matted fur – from a home in Bedminster, Pa. last year.
Photo collection from our coverage of #Bedminster animal hoarding case: http://t.co/hKVfbSdCXW pic.twitter.com/L7uVIEr5Gl
— The Intelligencer (@TheIntellNews) April 19, 2013
A Colorado woman was charged in November, not only for hoarding over 50 animals, but also for child abuse.
Woman sentenced on animal hoarding, child abuse case Monday http://t.co/8UkfzDltol pic.twitter.com/qK0NcWWfiQ
— Colorado Humane (@ColoradoHumane) November 27, 2013
Hoarding often involves household pets, but can also affect livestock and other farm animals.
Serious case of animal hoarding in Rutherford Co. 127 horses & 60+ cattle in bad condition. @WLOS_13 #wncnews pic.twitter.com/rVpwMGdqb4
— Emma Wright (@wright_emma) March 14, 2013
Because hoarded animals are surrendered in large numbers, it can be difficult for shelters to find homes for every animal.
67 dogs seized in Hall County. Owners charged w animal hoarding. Many impounded now at @atlantahumane. Look! #fox5atl pic.twitter.com/N2xiWjTL03
— Kaitlyn Pratt Fox 5 (@Fox5Kaitlyn) May 25, 2013
In a particularly shocking case, over 300 animals were found at an Iowa home last month.
Animal Hoarding: Over 300 animals, dead and alive found in Iowa home http://t.co/Td4BA7YUXY pic.twitter.com/tdhVkMUUG4
— PIX11 (@WPIX) February 24, 2014
Still, many hoarded animals are eventually rehabilitated and eventually adopted as a result of efforts by shelters and humane societies. These organizations often have local branches that encourage would-be pet owners to adopt, rather than buy.
65 birds are happy to call Nevins Farm home after being surrendered from a single home today!
#adoptabird #MSPCA pic.twitter.com/kEHiZtEdf5
— MSPCA at Nevins Farm (@nevinsfarm) January 24, 2014
Mom and baby cockapoo at @MspcaAngell - both rescued from a Lynnfield home filled w/ 199 animals #fox25 pic.twitter.com/1h3es0jUmz
— Jessica Reyes (@jessicamreyes) March 10, 2014
Reach me at joseph.dussault@globe.com. Follow me @josephdussault
About The Source

Submit to The Source
Thanks for your submission!

Recent stories from The Source
