80 animals seized in the last 10 days in animal hoarding cases

DEDHAM, Mass. — In the past 10 days, the Animal Rescue League has removed nearly 80 dogs and cats from animal hoarding situations in Bristol and Hampden Counties.

One of the homes had about 40 dogs and the other about 40 cats.

On Wednesday, the Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center opened its doors to show the progress of the animals.

ARL said that in both situations, there were no signs of intentional neglect, but the animals need extensive veterinary care, including dental work, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, general wellness exams and basic grooming.

"As much as we consider the mental and emotional state of each animal, we duplicate this concern for the animal owner. We do not approach any of these cases with judgment or insolence and each case is unique and each animal owner requires individualistic services which could include elderly, veterans or addiction services," said Darleen Wood, ARL's Associate Director of Law Enforcement.

ARL said that animal hoarding is often under-recognized, but is a serious issue. Animal hoarders usually fall into three categories:

• "Overwhelmed caregivers are often well-intentioned in their behavior and experience a steady decline in animal caretaking ability due to changes in financial or medical circumstances.
• "Rescue hoarders are those who acquire animals due to their strong sense of mission to save animals from death or other circumstance and will not seek the assistance of animal welfare agencies or authorities.
• "Exploiter hoarders acquire animals to serve their own needs and lack guilt and remorse for the harm that their actions may cause animals or other humans," according to the Animal Rescue League.

ARL's Law Enforcement Department is here to help, and if you know of or suspect a hoarding situation you can call 617-226-5610 or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

Cox Media Group