It’s not a new situation, but the awareness about the issue of animal hoarding is growing. The Executive Director of Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan, Don Ferguson, says most people now realize there may be mental health issues rather than just joking that someone is a ‘crazy cat lady’.
Often times the hoarder may be isolating themselves and not tending to themselves as well as they should, along with having too many animals on their property in poor condition. It has become too much to handle, leaving the animals and the hoarder in distress. Animal hoarders are often blind to the fact that their animals are suffering under their care.
Ferguson says people are also more aware now that animals are sentient beings that feel pain. It’s a societal change that animal neglect and abuse are no longer considered victimless crimes.
There are 2 types of animal hoarders – the rescuer and the overburdened caregiver. The rescuer is the category most people think of as hoarders. The overburdened caregiver is someone who wanted to be a pet owner and things get out of control with too many animals they can’t handle.
