HOARDING: THE ANIMAL ASPECT Doug Kelley Denver Animal Care & Control September 18, 2007

ANIMAL HOARDER DEFINED Accumulated a large number of animals, overwhelming that person’s ability to provide even minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, and veterinary care. Failed to acknowledge the deteriorating condition of the animals (including disease, starvation, and even death) and household environments (severe overcrowding, very unsanitary conditions). Failed to recognize the negative effect of the collection on his or her own health and well- being, and that of other household members.

Profile of an Animal Hoarder 76% are female 46% are 60 years of age or older Most are unmarried and do not have close relationships with family Over ½ live alone In 69% of the cases animal feces and urine accumulate in living areas, and ¼ of the hoarder’s beds were soiled with animal feces Dead or sick animals are reported in 80% of the cases

Cats are involved in 65% of the cases, and dogs are involved in 60% of the cases. Animal hoarders come from all social and demographic backgrounds. Tend to have an inordinate fear of death Although hoarders tend to be socioeconomically disadvantaged people, there have been multiple cases with working professionals such as college professors, nurses, bankers, and even veterinarians.

74% are companion animals 67% are dogs 22% are cats 14 % are farm animals 6% are wildlife THE INTENTIONALLY ABUSED ANIMAL

THE ANIMAL ABUSER Gender 76% male, 24% female Age 31 % are teenagers under 18 years of age 4% are under 12 years of age Hoarding cases 76% of offenders are female 46% are 60 years of age or older

Media Coverage The collector’s insistence that he or she wants to save animals’ lives plays well to the press, and journalists often naively glorify such people. Heartwarming stories are recounted that belie the gruesome conditions the hoarder’s victims are forced to endure. These stories have the effect, if not the intent, of causing already overwhelmed individuals to acquire even more animals.

Addressing the Media Be forthcoming, even proactive, with information. Educate about the realities of the animals’ conditions, and the psychology of the animal hoarder. Use video footage or pictures taken during the rescue. Allow the media to observe and film the condition of the animals. Encourage them to follow-up in the coming days and weeks for new developments.

Veterinarian Connection Veterinarians may be unwitting enablers. A well-meaning veterinarian who regularly refers unwanted animals to a client or staff member and sends samples of food or supplies home with that person may be facilitating the accumulation of an unmanageable number of animals

Tips for veterinarians in identifying hoarders A constantly changing parade of pets, most seen once and not again. Visits for problems not usually seen in good preventive health care, such as trauma or infectious disease. Rarely seeing the same animal for diseases of old age, such as cancer or heart disease.

May travel great distances to the practice, come at odd hours, and use multiple veterinarians so as not to tip them off about the number of animals. May seek heroic and futile care for animals they have recently found. Perfuming or bathing animals prior to a visit to conceal odor. Bringing in a relatively presentable animal in an attempt to get medication for more seriously ill animals at home, and trying to persuade the veterinarian to provide medication or refills without seeing the animals Being unwilling or unable to say how many animals they have.

Claiming to have just found or rescued an animal in obviously deplorable condition, although the condition of the animal, including strong odor of urine, overgrown nails, and muscle atrophy, may be more indicative of confinement in filthy conditions than wandering the streets. An interest in rescuing even more animals, including checking bulletin boards and questioning other clients.

PROSECUTION The primary purposes of prosecuting an animal hoarder for cruelty to animals is to separate him or her from the animal victims and to see that the hoarder receives the psychological counseling needed to prevent the person from repeating the abusive behavior. Effective plea arrangements can be an acceptable alternative to permanent injunctions.

§ Cruelty To Animals A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence overdrives, overloads, overworks, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beats, allows to be housed in a manner that results in chronic or repeated serious physical harm, carries or confines in or upon any vehicles in a cruel or reckless manner… needlessly kills, or otherwise mistreats or neglects any animal, or causes or procures it to be done, or, having the charge or custody of any animal fails to provide it with proper food, drink, or protection from the weather, or abandons an animal.

Definitions “Mistreatment” means every act or omission that causes or unreasonably permits the continuation of unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering. “Neglect” means failure to provide food, water, protection fro the elements, or other care generally considered to be normal, usual and accepted for an animals health and well-being consistent with the species, breed, and type of animal.

Colorado Penalties Misdemeanor (Class 1): 6 months to 18 months County Jail and/or $500 to $5,000 fine Felony (Class 6) 12 months to 18 months Department of Corrections and/or $1,000 to $100,000 fine

Financial bonding requirements for costs of holding impounded animals. The owner or custodian of an animal that has been impounded because of alleged neglect or abuse, or because of investigation of charges of cruelty to animals may prevent disposition of the animal by an animal shelter that is caring for the animal by posting a bond with the court in an amount sufficient to provide for the animal's care and keeping for at least thirty days. Such bond shall be filed with the court within ten days after the animal is impounded.

At the end of the time for which expenses are covered by the bond, if the owner or custodian desires to prevent disposition of the animal by the animal shelter, the owner or custodian shall post a new bond with the court within ten days after the prior bond's expiration. However, the court shall order the immediate disposition of the animal by euthanasia if, in the opinion of a veterinarian, the animal is experiencing extreme pain or suffering. At the end of the time for which expenses are covered by the bond, the animal shelter may determine disposition of the animal unless there is a court order prohibiting such disposition. The owner or custodian shall be liable for the cost of the care, keeping, or disposal of the animal.

Associated Costs for Bonding Personnel Costs including overtime (don’t forget benefit costs) –Kennel care –Court time –Administrative Costs Veterinary care above and beyond shelter costs Animal food Other associated costs

BUILDING STRATEGIC ALLIANCES Animal Control Officers Shelter/Humane Society Personnel State Veterinarian’s Office City/county court prosecutors District Attorney’s Office Police/Sheriff’s Department Local Health Department Social Service Agencies Veterinary Community Code Enforcement