Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Why was an elderly Texas hoarder allowed to keep animals?

TEXAS -- Dozens of dogs and cats were rescued Saturday by the Humane Society of Southeast Texas from the home of a 72-year-old Southeast Texas woman.

The woman, who lives alone, had 28 of the animals at her home – 20 dogs and 8 cats. The Humane Society said they cannot say who the woman is nor where she lives.

Can't say... or won't say?


But the condition of the animals tell the tale of neglect.

One by one, volunteers with the Humane Society unloaded dogs and cats to a sanctuary, giving them the love and necessities they need.


"They hadn't had any food or any water," said one of the rescuers, Monica Lee, who is also education director for the Humane Society of Southeast Texas. "Their water was filled with tadpoles, so it was really scummy."

Lee also said dogs were covered with fleas and feces surrounded them. The smaller ones were packed into an enclosure together.

"It was also shocking," said Lee. "Unlike anything I'd ever seen before."

Cats were neglected, too.

 

"Not much human interaction," said volunteer Keith Blackwood. "You could tell they were afraid of us when we went in to pick them up."

Research shows animal hoarding is a compulsive need to collect animals for the sake of caring for them.

"(The hoarder) wanted to help the dogs," said Lee. "It just got out of hand for her. She didn't know how to stop."

But the future for the animals is bright. They'll be vaccinated, spayed, given flea baths and food.


"These guys are great dogs," said Lee. "I think once they have the proper treatment, and care that they deserve, and they need, they're going to be even better dogs."

Neglecting a pet can be prosecuted as a felony, punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to two years in jail.

But the humane society of Southeast Texas said they will not criminally prosecute the woman who was hoarding the animals. She will be left with three dogs and one cat.

 
Unless a hoarder engages in cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) designed to address whatever leads to and maintains hoarding, they are likely to repeat their mistakes.

(KHOU - July 19, 2015)

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