Animal Hoarding

Top 5 Ways to Help an Animal of a Hoarder
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Top 5 Ways to Help an Animal of a Hoarder

By Sarah Grace McCandless

Help an Animal of a Hoarder

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that, each year, about 250,000 animals end up in hoarding situations.

Hoarding can affect nearly any type of animal -- from the domestic variety, such as dogs, cats and birds, to farm animals and even exotic wildlife. In fact, according to the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium (HARC), it's quite common for a hoarder to house multiple species under one roof, and the toll this pathological behavior takes on the welfare of these creatures is nothing short of devastating. The animals of a hoarder usually have a multitude of health problems, such as respiratory infections, open wounds and dehydration, in addition to the physical and mental strain of living in cramped, unsanitary environments. Ultimately, for many of these animals, the future holds starvation and death.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that, each year, about 250,000 animals end up in hoarding situations. If you want to do something to help the pets that are part of this staggering statistic, here are five ways to get started.