Extreme Cat Hoarding
One of the most serious cases of compulsive hoarding that you can encounter is where the hoarding of animals is concerned. At Avery Associates we are sometimes asked to clear a property where animal hoarding has been an issue, and these are some of our most challenging clear-ups.
Recent Hoarding Case In Highgate
The most recent animal hoarding house clearance that we dealt with was in Highgate, London. Here a couple had been in trouble with the law for hoarding animals, and from what we were told they had owned more than 30 cats which all lived in the property.
Cat Lover
Clearly this is too much for even the biggest cat lover and, as often happens in hoarding situations, the property fell into disrepair.
Dead Animals
We have seen all that there is to see and nothing can surprise us any more. But when you see the results of an animal hoarding situation it really makes you feel for the animals. Animal excrement, dead animals and bad odours are just a few of the things that you can expect to find.
Cleared Out In One Day
Obviously we got to work and the house was completely cleared by the end of the day, then we got our cleaners to work on it and after we had finished no one would ever have known that it had been in such a bad condition – however, I’m sure the next owner will be quite keen to give it a few coats of paint!
Report Cases To RSPCA
If you ever become aware of a case of animal hoarding, it is important to alert the authorities. A good place to start is to contact the RSPCA and to let them know that you suspect a case. They can then check it out and if they find that there are any animals being mistreated then they can take action.
Animal Lovers Not Hoarders
It is important to remember, however, that animal hoarders often suffer from a condition which makes it hard to control their urges to hoard animals. Their hoarding behaviour does not mean that they are cruel, just that they are unable to stop. As such, they often need help and support rather than punishment.
Help For Hoarders Is Essential
However, because of the very real possibility that animals could be suffering from neglect, it is important to alert the authorities. That way the animals can be rescued if necessary, and then hopefully the hoarder can receive the help that they need to overcome their compulsive behaviour.
