A dog is taken into an air conditioned trailer after being examined by a Humane Society of Missouri vet on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 in Pleasant Hope, Mo. More than 315 animals were rescued Tuesday at a southwest Missouri property where they were hoarded and bred, authorities said. (AP Photo/Springfield News-Leader, Dean Curtis)

Last Tuesday, humane investigators rescued more than 315 animals from a Missouri home. The animals were emaciated, injured and suffering from mange and parasites. Unfortunately animal hoarding is not uncommon.

Animal hoarding is a mental illness, a form of obsessive compulsive disorder where the person has more animals than can be properly cared for and the hoarder is in denial of the neglect being caused to his animals.

Sadly, these animals suffer from several and fatal neglect from living in overcrowded, filthy conditions, parasite-ridden, deprived of food and veterinary care. 

In the late 80's, you may remember a case of a woman in Alewa Heights that had over 200 cats. She went to the Humane Society to apply for licenses and asked for 200 applications. When the Humane Society investigated the home, there were over 200 cats in crowded crates, living in filth. Many of the cats were euthanized because they were too ill. The others cats were put up for adoption.  

Her neighbors say they had complained about the smell over the years.

Hoarding of domestic animals is hard to detect. The owner of the animals calls himself a pet lover believing their animals are not neglected. Since domestic animals are small, it is easier to conceal them.   

State law says no household can have more than 10 dogs. There is no limit on the amount of cats you can have but it does say that all animals must be cared for properly.

If you suspect animal hoarding, do not hesitate to call the Humane Society at 946-2187 or the police.

  

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