HOARDING--A DISASTER FOR PETS

Hoarding occurs when someone keeps too many pets of any kind in close quarters-it could be a house, shed, barn or a combination of all three. (It may not necessarily be a puppy or kitten mill for profit, but denial about good care may be just as harmful.) Usually, there is no effort made to spay/neuter them, so they keep breeding. Since cats/dogs don't recognize family relationships, relatives will mate and the offspring soon begin showing signs of severe genetic damage, or do not live long. The first cat I fostered for Cause for Paws was the result of such a tragedy. Luckily, "Boston Blackie" only suffers from very short front legs. She looks a little like a Chihuahua. Of course this impairment doesn't bother her around the house, but she would never survive outside. Another adoptee of mine, Kodiak, was born with bent front legs and couldn't walk at all. The vet was able to splint them when he was very young and he learned to walk on these tiny sticks with pink covers-looked cute- but hated hobbling around when he should have been running until they straightened out.....What should you do if you become aware of such a situation in your area? The difficulty in confronting a neighbor is that there are legal issues of property rights to consider. However, if you suspect neglect of animals you can contact your local Animal Control Officer or shelter. They have officers trained to handle such situations. Most of us are primarily concerned with the health and happiness of those with no voice. Speak out if you feel you must.