Pet hoarding horrors: 27 photos spotlight cruel disorder
Animal hoarding is in the spotlight as a result of some recent high-profile cases, including one that's being called one of the worst in U.S. history. Hoarding is certainly bad for animals, who face malnutrition and squalid conditions that breed disease. And hoarders may be vulnerable to poor air quality and diseases that can be spread from animals to humans.
What causes people to hoard animals ranging from cats to rats? Psychologists don't know the exact causes but point to several factors including early child experiences (parental neglect or abuse), distorted thinking, impulsivity, and plain old loneliness.
Whatever the explanation, animal hoarders can create some truly shocking situations, as the following photos show.
On August 26, 2010, more than 150 cats were found at a residence in Powell, Wyoming. Here are a few of the unfortunate felines.
On August 26, 2010, more than 150 cats were found at a residence in Powell, Wyoming. Here are a few of the unfortunate felines.
On August 26, 2010, more than 150 cats were found at a residence in Powell, Wyoming. Here are a few of the unfortunate felines.
On August 26, 2010, more than 150 cats were found at a residence in Powell, Wyoming. Here are a few of the unfortunate felines.
On August 26, 2010, more than 150 cats were found at a residence in Powell, Wyoming. Here are a few of the unfortunate felines.
On August 26, 2010, more than 150 cats were found at a residence in Powell, Wyoming. Here are a few of the unfortunate felines.
On August 26, 2010, more than 150 cats were found at a residence in Powell, Wyoming. Here are a few of the unfortunate felines.
In a case the Humane Society of the U.S. calls one of the worst in U.S. history, authorities found almost 700 cats living in deplorable conditions at a High Springs, Fla. "cat sanctuary." on June 7, 2011.
In a case the Humane Society of the U.S. calls one of the worst in U.S. history, authorities found almost 700 cats living in deplorable conditions at a High Springs, Fla. "cat sanctuary." on June 7, 2011.
Cats and dogs aren't the only animals hoarders hoard. In another recent case, about 2,000 rats were found roaming through a house in southern California. The owner kept some rats as pets but became overwhelmed and allowed them to breed until they eventually took over the house, according to the Humane Society.
Cats and dogs aren't the only animals hoarders hoard. In another recent case, about 2,000 rats were found roaming through a house in southern California. The owner kept some rats as pets but became overwhelmed and allowed them to breed until they eventually took over the house, according to the Humane Society.
Who would choose to live this way? About 150 dogs and 50 cats lived in this cluttered space in Gordon, Alabama.
Who would choose to live this way? About 150 dogs and 50 cats lived in this cluttered space in Gordon, Alabama.
Who would choose to live this way? About 150 dogs and 50 cats lived in this cluttered space in Gordon, Alabama.
Here's one of the dogs found in Gordon, Alabama.