©
WE ARE THEIR VOICE ©
• About the ASPCA • Spay or Neuter • Horrors of Dog Fighting • Greyhound Racing • Animal Hoarding • Circus Cruelty • Happy Tails
March 2012 Issue Pg 2
DANIEL & NALA
ALICIA & OSCAR
close resemblance to a lion. She is beautiful,
on the Pet Page of the Beach Reporter as being
energetic and loves to play with my dog, Bruno.
at the South Bay location, but when I called, he
She also likes to play with toys andwater, I’ve
was transferred that morning to the Topanga
noticed. She dunks her face in her water bowl
location. As luck would have it, that afternoon
daily. She comes everywhere with me and takes
I would be working very close to the Topanga
naps during car rides. I take her on three walks
store. He’s doing extremely well, and he has
a day to release most of her high energy. She’s
made great friends with my other kitties. Thank
great! Thank you, Daniel
you for my playful little companion!!! Alicia
I changed Ginger’s name to Nala because of her
Hello! Here is a photo of Oscar. He was listed
“The ASPCA’s mission, as stated by Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”
MATT & ROXIE
Attached is a picture of my wonderful dog Roxie, adopted in January of 2003 when she was only 9 months. She was a gorgeous dog but did look a little scary. I decided to take a chance on her, because she was young, and I thought I could train her. What I didn’t realize is that she didn’t need training. She just had a lot of built up energy from sitting in a kennel. After all, she is a boxer. Thank you, Matt.
March 2012 Issue Pg 3
Greyhound racing may seem like a harmless sport, but life in the fast lane is no picnic for these overworked dogs. Every year, thousands of young and healthy Greyhounds are killed merely because they lack racing potential, are injured while racing or are no longer copetitive. Life is hard for those who make the grade—they spend long hours in cramped kennels and are deprived of normal social contact and life experiences. While people are becoming more aware of the horror of this sport, there are still more than 20 tracks operating in the U.S. and one just over the border in Juarez, Mexico.
What are Greyhound breeding farms?
seriously injured during races. Injuries include
are usually 18 months to 5 years old when
severed toes, broken legs, spinal cord paralysis,
they are retired from racing. Many are deemed
broken necks and cardiac arrest. And because
unfit to race after an injury, some have little
so many dogs are kept in close quarters, con-
desire to race, while others are no longer fast
tagious respiratory diseases can sweep through
enough to be profitable. While some of these
kennels, affecting both racing schedules and
dogs are retired and sent to rescue groups,
adoption efforts when a kennel is quarantined.
others are simply killed or returned to breeding
While some of these dogs are retired and sent
facilities to serve as breeding stock.
to rescue groups, others are simply killed
What happens to Greyhounds when they can no longer race?
Is Greyhound racing legal in all states?
No. Greyhound racing attendance is dwindling nationwide as more people fight to have the tracks closed
While Greyhounds
and choose gambling venues
may live 13 or
that don’t involve animals. As
more years, they
a result, states are becoming
Greyhounds begin life on a Greyhound breeding
more amenable to banning dog
farm, where thousands of pups are born into
racing, because it is a money
the industry each year—of these, only a select
pit: state governments often
few actually become racing dogs. This mas-
wind up having to spend more
sive over-breeding is done in order to produce
to regulate the sport than they
winning dogs. The unwanted pups, those who
get back in revenue. As of 2010,
don’t measure up to racing stadards, are simply
11 states have expressly banned
destroyed. The racing industry also sells some
dog racing, and there are fewer
of the dogs considered unfit for
than 10 states with operational dog
racing to laboratories, which use them in ex-
tracks. Please visit the website of
periments.
our friends Grey2K USA to see a map
How are Greyhounds housed at the tracks?
showing the legal status of dog racing in all 48 continental U.S. states.
Housed at commercial racetracks, the dogs
What can I do to help?
spend the majority of their lives in confine-
There are many ways you can help end
ment—stacked in double-decker cages in
the Greyhound racing industry:
warehouse-style kennels for up to twenty or more hours per day. The cages are just large
• Do not attend Greyhound races.
enough for the dogs to stand in. Most of the
• Educate family and friends about the animal welfare problems and safety concerns related to Greyhound races.
enclosures are not heated or air-conditioned, causing the short-coated dogs to suffer during severe weather temperatures. Many dogs suffer from fleas, ticks and internalparasites.
Is racing dangerous for Greyhounds?
As a breed, Greyhounds love
to run, but they fall victim to track conditions. Each year, thousands of these dogs are
•
Consider adopting a retired grey hound and encourage people you know to do the same. Greyhounds make wonderful family pets, and adoption events are held all over n
March 2012 Issue Pg 4
Spaying or neutering your pet is an important
and dogs are euthanized in shelters. Spay/neu-
Contact your veterinarian today and be sure
decision for pet owners. As animal lovers who
ter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective
to let your family and friends know that they
value our pets, it is important to understand the
method of birth control for dogs and cats.
should do the same.
impact of this decision. It happens everywhere In every community, in every state, there are homeless animals. In the U.S. as a whole, there
Not just for dogs and cats. When being
The cost of caring for a pet, including provid-
conscientious about the pet overpopulation,
ing veterinary care, should be considered be-
don’t forget to spay or neuter your pet rabbit.
fore acquiring an animal. Many animal shelters
are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted, and tragically, the other half are euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions. These are not the offspring of homeless “street” animals—these are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds. Yes, your pet’s offspring could be shelter ani-
“The number of homeless animals varies by state; in some states there are as many as 300,000 homeless animals euthanized in animal shelters every year.”
mals. Many people believe that their pet’s puppies or kittens would never become homeless shelter animals. But the reality is that every time
Rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats
offer low-cost spay/neuter services, and there
the dog finds his way under the fence to visit
and often end up in shelters where they must
are also many low-cost spay/neuter clinics
the neighbor’s female dog, or the indoor/out-
be euthanized. Spaying or neutering rabbits
across the country. To find low-cost options
door cat comes back home pregnant again, the
can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as
in your area, call your local animal shelter. The
result is a litter of dogs or cats. Even if they are
lunging, mounting, spraying and boxing. Spay-
reality is that the cost associated with providing
placed into homes, it is still possible for them
ing females can prevent ovarian, mammary
adequate care for just one litter of puppies or
to end up in shelters once they become “hard
and uterine cancers, which can be prevalent in
kittens is often more than the cost of spaying
to handle,” or for them to reproduce further and
mature females.
or neutering. The cost of feeding, worming and
for the next generation of puppies or kittens to
Millions of pet deaths each year are a need-
wind up homeless. Many people are surprised
less tragedy. By spaying and neutering your pet,
to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats
you can be an important part of the solution.
first vaccinations for a litter can be upwards of $200 to $300 n
March 2012 Issue Pg 5
Please Pleasesave savelives livesby byspaying spaying or orneutering neuteringyour yourpet. pet.
March 2012 Issue Pg 6
Dog Fighting Horrors of
F
or centuries, humans have deliberately
Wounded and panting, he turned away from
bone was heard. Bo lurched backward and
pitted dog-aggressive dogs in staged
his opponent. The referee called the turn, and,
then turned away from the brindle. Now it was
fights against one another. Why are
when neither dog had a hold on the other,
Bo’s turn to scratch. Barely able to stand in his
animal welfare advocates no closer to
the handlers picked them up. The dogs were
corner, the brindle strained against his handler’s
returned to their scratch lines and held. Both
arms, eager to continue the fight. But when he
ending this brutal blood sport? The crowd’s roar dulled to a hum as the next
were breathing hard and bleeding from their bite
was released, Bo would not cross the pit. The
two fighters appeared. The previous match had
wounds. Because he made the turn, the brindle
referee called, “One…. Two… Time!” The crowd
been short, as one contestant quickly out-
would be released first. If he failed to attack
cheered for the brindle. He would die from his
matched his opponent, mauling him badly and
now, he would lose. “Let go,” the judge called
injuries an hour later, but he had won his fight.
tearing off an ear. But this final fight matched
again. The brindle was exhausted and badly
Bo’s handler spit on the ground. He had a lot
two skilled and highly respected combatants.
hurt—but he was a game dog. Responding
of money on this match. Muttering, “Worthless
They eyed each other eagerly from across the
to an impulse bred into him over generations
cur,” he dragged Bo out of the barn and toward
pit, muscles tensed in anticipation. Spectators
and nurtured through training, he stumbled
his truck, where a shotgun waited.
came to the edge of their seats. Fathers lifted
across his scratch line toward his opponent.
children to their shoulders for a better view as
The other dog’s handler released him with
the referee stepped to the center, called the
the encouragement, “Finish him off, Bo.” Bo
dogs to their scratch lines and yelled, “Let go!”
knocked the brindle to the ground, seeking a
A cheer arose as the dogs charged across the
hold on his throat. Though getting the worst
pit and slammed into each other, teeth flashing
of the fight, the brindle managed to grab Bo’s
as they sought a vulnerable target. After half
right front leg in his powerful jaws. As he bit
an hour of fighting, the brindle looked beaten.
down hard and twisted, the snap of breaking
THE DOGS
This fight could have occurred in any state,
in a barn or a city warehouse. The participants might have been Caucasian, African American or Hispanic, and the year could have been 1897 or 2007. The development of modern dogfighting as practiced in Europe, North America and
March 2012 Issue Pg 7 South America can be clearly traced to 1835,
to inhibit an opponent from biting and holding.
used to train fighting dogs. Successful raids on
when bull-baiting was banned in England.
During fights, dogs are in the pit with handlers
dogfighting rings typically net a cross section
After the ban, the owners of “bulldogs”—used
and the referee, and they are handled during
of people. “Dog fighters represent a range of
up until then to bait bulls, bears and other
fighting, training and breeding. Consequently,
personality types and psychological disorders,”
animals—turned to staging fights between their
professional breeders of fighting dogs are very
says Stephanie LaFarge, Ph.D., Senior Director,
dogs to satisfy their blood lust. The large, heavy
intolerant of “people mean” dogs. Dogs that dis-
ASPCA Counseling Services. Like anyone, they
bull dogs were eventually crossed with small,
play aggression toward people are certainly not
are molded by their environment and begin to
more agile terriers to produce the “bull terriers”
bred and are almost always culled. Unfortunately,
develop a system of values early. “School life
that became the fountainhead of today’s promi-
an increased level of human-directed aggression
offers them little fulfillment and humiliates
nent fighting breeds. Staffordshire Bull Terriers,
is being documented as individuals outside the
them into doing socially unacceptable things
American Staffordshire Terriers and American
traditional dogfighting culture acquire and breed
in an environment where beating the system
Pit Bull Terriers all hail from this ancestry. Com-
pit bulls for protection or as status
is the goal.”
Gameness—a dog’s willingness to persevere
symbols. Poor training and poor breeding are,
“Self esteem is an important issue with this
despite great adversity—is the most admired
in part, responsible for the increasing numbers
population,” adds Officer Mark MacDonald,
trait in fighting dogs. Great attention is paid to
of pit bulls and pit bull mixes involved in attacks
ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement special in-
breeding only sires and dams that pass this
against people.
vestigator. “Fighting gives them the respect and
monly, dogs falling into this broad class are identified as pit bulls. It’s important to understand that not just any dog can be trained for pit fighting. Much like herding dogs, hunting dogs and other breeds designed for particular roles, fighting dogs have been genetically engineered to be receptive to the training that will prepare them to succeed in the pit. Staged fights are not the same as the scuffles seen in dog runs or between dogs in the same home. Most fights among pet dogs end quickly, with one individual submitting to the other, and they rarely result in serious injuries. The winner typically accepts the submission signals of the loser and ends the encounter with no further aggression. To produce successful fighting dogs, certain aspects of normal dog behavior had to be altered. Most fighting dogs will continue to attack, regardless of whether their opponent gives up or not. In addition, a “game” fighting dog will continue to do battle even though badly injured.
quality on to their progeny. In fact, the owner of a Grand Champion—a dog that has won five contests—can sell the dog’s pups for as much as $20,000 apiece. The serious dogfighter is as familiar with the bloodlines of champion fighting dogs as any thoroughbred aficionado is of Triple Crown contenders. With the high level of aggression that some pit bulls show toward other dogs, it may seem a contradiction that they also are described as loyal and gentle companion animals. However, these seemingly conflicting characteristics are hallmarks of a well-bred fighting dog. Before each fight, the dogs are washed, usually by the other dog’s handler, to ensure that no foreign substances have been placed on the animal
power that they do not have in other
THE PEOPLE
areas of their lives.”
and the upper classes was viewed as a tawdry
homes and communities with limited social or
In early times, dogfighting by professionals
but acceptable pastime—if one didn’t advertise it in public. Among the working classes, especially in rural areas, dogfighting was a grand family event. Large conventions, as they were traditionally called, might include a barbecue, music, games for the children and parking security provided by the local sheriff. Much less accepted nowadays, dogfighting is an underground activity. Undercover cruelty investigators describe an environment of casual cruelty and easy violence. Defeated dogs are killed and dumped; stolen dogs and cats are
“Many fighters come from non-responsive economic opportunity,” he says. “They never acquire the tools to excel. With dogfighting, they are accepted, especially if they have a winning dog. Well known and respected in their circle, they are emulated by others. They gain a tremendous satisfaction and positive reinforcement from their new ‘friends.’ And because of their commitment to the care and training of their dog, their dog is a winner, and so are they.” Some, particularly the professional fighters, liken dogfighting to boxing, with the owner as coach and the dog as prize fighter n
March 2012 Issue Pg 8
Athough the issues regarding circus cruelty
care. It’s no surprise that many animals suffer
The Fund for Animals, Born Free USA and the
have gained much-needed attention in recent
psychological effects. Swaying back and forth,
Animal Welfare Institute—filed a federal lawsuit
years, circus animals still suffer from lives of
head-bobbing and pacing are just some of the
against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
confinement, social deprivation and violent
stereotypical behaviors associated with mental
Circus. The lawsuit contended that the circus’s
methods of training.
distress displayed by animals in the circus.
treatment of its Asian elephants violates the
In many circuses, animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing animals beaten, whipped and denied food and water, all to force them to learn their routines. Animals are taught that not obeying the trainer will result in physical abuse. In the United States, no government agency monitors animal training sessions. Traveling from town to town is also inherently stressful for circus animals—they are separated from their social groups and intensively confined or chained for extended periods of time with no access to food, water, and veterinary
Public Safety Concerns
Animals in circuses are also a threat to public
safety. There have been hundreds of incidents involving circus animals attacking and escaping—often resulting in property damage, injuries and death. Furthermore there is a risk of disease. Some elephants used in circuses have been found to carry a human strain of tuberculosis, which can be easily passed on to humans.
ASPCA in Action
In the year 2000, the ASPCA—along with
federal Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, on December 30, 2009, the case was decided on behalf of the defense (Ringling’s owners, Feld Entertainment) based on lack of standing of the plaintiffs.
Top Ten Ways to Fight Circus Cruelty The ASPCA has been working to educate the public about the cruelty taking place under the big top since the late 19th century—but your help is needed! Here are ten ways you can help fight circus cruelty: Don’t Go to the Circus! …Unless it’s one
that doesn’t feature animal performers.
March 2012 Issue Pg 9 Support Stronger Laws Fight for state and
natural and important to them. Many elephants
captive-born elephants) can never be returned
federal laws that protect animals and raise the
become dysfunctional, unhealthy, depressed,
to the wild.
minimum allowable standards of care.
and aggressive as a result of the cruel con-
Attend a City Council Meeting Counties,
ditions in which they are kept. In the wild,
cities and even universities have succeeded in
elephants often nurse their babies until 5 years
keeping cruel circuses out by banning wild and
of age, and the babies are raised in a nurturing
exotic animal performances. If you’re interested
environment in which they are protected and
in passing a similar ordinance where you live,
comforted. Daughters stay with their mothers
get involved in your local government.
for life, and sons stay until they reach adoles-
Alert the Media! Contact your local news-
cence.
papers and television stations when a circus
At some circuses, still-nursing baby el-
comes to town, letting them know about the
ephants (usually 18 to 24 months of age) are
cruelty often inflicted on animals who are forced
captured rodeo-style, roped around all four
to entertain.
legs, tethered neck-to-neck to an anchor
“Former circus employees have reported seeing animals beaten, whipped and denied food and water”
Tyke’s Story
Tyke was a female circus elephant who on
August 20, 1994, in Honolulu, Hawaii, killed her trainer, Allen Campbell, and gored her groomer Dallas Beckwith causing severe injuries during a Circus International performance before hundreds of horrified spectators at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Tyke then bolted from the arena and ran through downtown streets of Kakaako for more than thirty minutes. Police fired 86 shots at Tyke, who eventually collapsed from the wounds onto a blue car and died. Tyke became the poster elephant of circus tragedies and a symbol for animal rights. Dozens of lawsuits were filed against the city, the state, the circus and Tyke’s owner, John Cuneo Jr. and his Hawthorn Corp. Honolulu trial lawyer William Fenton Sink successfully sued Cuneo on behalf of numerous plaintiffs, including young children, who suffered
Contact the Venue Hosting the Circus Ask
elephant, and dragged from their mothers. From
that the invitation be withdrawn and suggest an
this point forward, their relationship with their
animal free circus for the future.
mother is abruptly terminated and every move-
Ask Authorities to Inspect When a circus
comes to your area, make sure the correct permits have been obtained. Also, contact your local law enforcement agency or humane society and ask them to make sure the circus follows local and state laws regarding the humane treatment of animals. Report Abuse If you see something, say
something!Report any abuse relating to circus animals to the proper authorities—the U.S. Department of Agriculture and your local animal control agency. Set an Example for Others Get the facts on
circus cruelty on ASPCA.org and educate your friends, family and community about cruelty to circus animals. Ask Local School Boards to Ban Circus
Promotions Circuses often engage in promo-
tions with schools to encourage class field trips. Be sure to speak out against this! Educate Your Children Talk to your
kids about why circuses are cruel and visit our children’s website, ASPCAKids, for circus information written especially for them.
Elephants: Broken Spirits Elephants in circuses are
denied everything that is
ment, every instinct, and every natural behavior is subject to discipline. Elephants are so intensely emotional and protective that it is well documented that they experience great sadness over losing their young, and it must horrify them to watch their babies tormented in servitude. Most elephants used by circuses and zoos were captured in the wild and forced to leave their freedom and families behind. Some people mistakenly believe that captive breeding will help prevent elephants from becoming extinct, but elephants who are born in the breeding centers of circuses and zoos (also known as
psychological injuries after witnessing Tyke’s killing. The suits were settled out of court and the amounts were never made public. Based on Mr. Sink’s work in the Tyke case, Animal Rights Hawaii renamed its prestigious Order of the Innocent award to The William Fenton Sink Award. You can report cruelty or fighting complaints to either the New York City Police Department or to the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 Reports of animal cruelty can be directed to the police department with jurisdiction over your city, town or county. Call (800) 582-5979 n
March 2012 Issue Pg 10
Animal Hoarding New York City, 2008- ASPCA’S Humane Law
a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorders,
isolation from community and social groups.
Enforcement agents arrived on the scene to find
but new studies and theories are leading
One commonality between all hoarders is a
over 20 Pomeranian dogs in a couple’s one-
toward attachment disorders in conjunction
failure to grasp the severity of their situation.
bedroom apartment. The canines were severely
with personality disorders, paranoia, delusional
“I have worked with many animal hoarders
matted and the apartment was covered with filth
thinking, depression and other mental illnesses.
in their homes. Their mental illness allows them
and debris. The couple insisted that the animals
Some animal hoarders began collecting after
to maintain an absolute denial of the filth and
were well cared for, despite physical evidence to
a traumatic event or loss, while others see
the suffering of the animals,” says Dr. Stephanie
the contrary, and refused to surrender them.
themselves as “rescuers” who save animals
LaFarge, ASPCA Senior Director of Counseling
from lives on the street. “Historically, a person
Services. “They simply cannot see or smell.”.
What explains behavior like this? Is there cruel intent behind it, or is it simply a case of well-meaning people who took on too much responsibility? Are there psychological issues at play? Animal hoarding is a complex and intricate issue with far-reaching effects that encompass mental health, animal welfare and public safety concerns. It has been estimated that there are 900 to 2,000 new cases every year in the United States, with a quarter million animals falling victim. Those “collected” range in species from cats and dogs to reptiles,
“Animal hoarding is an intricate issue with far-reaching effects that encompass mental health, animal welfare and public safety concerns”
rodents, birds, exotics and even farm animals.
What Is Animal Hoarding?
Animal hoarding is a complex and intricate public health and community issue. Its effects are far-reaching and encompass mental health, animal welfare and public safety concerns. The following criteria are used to define animal hoarding: • More than the typical number of companion animals
who collected animals was viewed as an animal lover who got in over his or her head, but the truth is that people who hoard are experiencing a total loss of insight,” says Dr. Randall Lockwood, ASPCA Senior Vice President, Forensic Sciences and Anti-cruelty Projects. “They have no real perception of the harm they’re doing to the animals.” In the majority of cases, animal hoarders appear intelligent and clearly believe they are
Here are several signs that may indicate someone is an animal hoarder: • They have numerous animals and may not know the total number of animals in their care. • Their home is deteriorated (i.e., dirty windows, broken furniture, holes in wall and floor, extreme clutter). • There is a strong smell of ammonia, and floors may be covered with dried feces, urine, vomit, etc.
• Inability to provide even minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter and veterinary care, with this neglect often resulting in starvation, illness and death
helping their animals. They often claim that any
• Denial of the inability to provide this minimum care and the impact of that failure on the animals, the household and human occupants of the dwelling
garner sympathy and to deceive others into
• Animals are emaciated, lethargic and not well socialized.
thinking their situation is under control. They
• Fleas and vermin are present.
often are blind to the fact that they are not car-
• Individual is isolated from community and appears to be in neglect himself.
This definition comes from the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, an independent group of academic researchers based in Massachusetts. The full definition and more info can be found at http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/hoarding/index.html.
Why Do People Hoard Animals?
It is not clearly understood why people become animal hoarders. Early research pointed toward
home is better than letting that animal die. In addition, many hoarders possess the ability to
ing for the animals and to the extreme suffering they are inflicting. According to Dr. Lockwood, “Being kept by a hoarder is a slow kind of death for the animal. Actually, it can be a fate worse than death.”
How Can I Tell if Someone Is a Hoarder?
It’s not always easy. Animal hoarders range in age, and can be men or women of any race or ethnic group. Elderly people tend to be more at risk due to their own deteriorating health and
• Individual insists all animals are happy and healthy—even when there are clear signs of distress and illness.
Do Hoarders Often Pose as Rescue Groups or Sanctuaries? Absolutely. Research shows many hoarders
are beginning to set themselves up as “rescue shelters,” complete with 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status. They may appear to be sensible people, persuasively conveying their love for animals and readiness to take those who are sick and
March 2012 Issue Pg 11 with special needs. Furthermore, the Internet appears to be becoming a great tool for solicitation. “When looking to place an animal, it is
prevent relapses,” says Lockwood. Some say prosecution isn’t the answer be-
water, veterinary care and a sanitary environment. Only two states, Illinois and Hawaii,
cause hoarders are often emotionally troubled
currently have statutory language specifically
rather than criminally inclined. “Like many
addressing animal hoarding. With guidance
easy for a person to get seduced by a pretty
psychological conditions, the causes of animal
from ASPCA, the Illinois Companion Animal
website,” points out Lockwood. “We need to
hoarding are probably multiple and, therefore,
Hoarder Act was created in 2001 to create a
caution people to look behind the curtain before
assessment of emotions, behavior and thoughts
legal definition for “companion animal hoarder”
giving over an animal.”
must be multifaceted to point the way toward
and mandate counseling for those convicted of
successful treatment,” says the ASPCA’s Dr.
animal cruelty who meet the definition. Animal
LaFarge. In some cases judges can impose
hoarding itself is not prohibited by the statute.
conditions that actually help the hoarder. They
Hawaii’s 2008 law is the only state law specifi-
can require counseling, for instance, or prohibit
cally outlawing animal hoarding. It does not
the person from having animals.
mandate psychological counseling for convict-
Here are several signs that a rescue group or shelter may involve a hoarder: • The group is unwilling to let visitors see the location where animals are kept. • The group will not disclose the number of animals in its care. • Little effort is made to adopt animals out. • More animals are continually taken in, despite the poor condition of existing animals. • Legitimate shelters and rescue organizations are viewed as the enemy. • Animals may be received at a remote location (parking lot, street corner, etc.) rather than at the group’s facilities.
I Have Many Animals—Could I Be a Hoarder?
It’s important to note that not everyone who has multiple animals is an animal hoarder. A person may have a dozen animals, and all are spayed and neutered and provided with regular veterinary care and a sanitary environment. This person would not be an animal hoarder. Even rescuers who occasionally become overwhelmed are not considered hoarders if they are actively trying to modify the situation. That said, if you think you might have too many animals to care for properly, please contact your local shelter or a veterinarian for help.
Prevalence of Animal Hoarding? It has been estimated that there are 900 to 2,000 new cases of animal hoarding every year in the United States, with a quarter million animals falling victim. Animals collected range from cats and dogs to reptiles, rodents, birds, exotics and even farm animals.
Should Hoarders Be Prosecuted?
In most cases, criminal prosecution of animal hoarding can be a difficult process and may not be the most effective route. Such cases are difficult to successfully prosecute and, once litigation ends, the hoarder is likely to resume collecting an excessive number of animals unless closely monitored. “Hoarders are like drug addicts—you can’t cure them, you can only
What is clear is that prosecution alone rarely
ed hoarders or restrict future animal ownership.
alters the behavior. “It is essential that key
Anti-hoarding legislation has been proposed,
community agencies work together to prevent
but not passed, in several other states.
animal hoarders from harming the large number of animals they gain control over,” says LaFarge. “Social service agencies must collaborate with animal shelters and law enforcement to intervene to save the animals and then follow up with years of monitoring to prevent a recurrence. The general public needs to be educated to realize that the hoarder is not just a nice little
How Can I Help?
If you think someone you know is struggling
with animal hoarding, here are some ways you can help: Pick up the phone and call your local hu-
mane law enforcement department, police department, animal shelter, animal welfare group
old lady who ‘loves too much.’”
or veterinarian to initiate the process. You may
Are There Laws Against Animal Hoarding?
phone call may be the first step to get them and
Animal hoarding is covered implicitly under
not want to get the person “in trouble,” but a the animals the help they need. “Often people don;t report hoarding situations because they
every state’s animal cruelty statute, which typi-
are worried the hoarder will get in trouble or
cally requires caretakers to provide sufficient
that the animals will get taken away,” says the
food and
ASPCA’s Allison Cardona, Director of Disaster Response. “What I would like to stress is that these situations only get worse with time, and the animals always end up getting taken out of the home. It is always better to say something—this is the first step for both the animals and the people to get the help needed n
March 2012 Issue Pg 12
About us... Who We Are...
The American Society for the Prevention of
What We Do...
History...
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first
legal authority to investigate and make arrests
the New York State legislature, the ASPCA
for crimes against animals, we are wholly dedi-
has a history rich in challenges and victories
cated to fulfilling the ASPCA mission through
from providing care and protection for the city’s
nonviolent approaches. Our organizationpro-
working horses and transforming dog pounds
vides local and national leadership in three
into professionally run adoptions facilities
humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world. Our organization was founded by Henry Bergh in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans, and must be protected.
As the first humane organization to be granted
Incorporated in 1866 by a special act of
key areas: caring for pet parents and pets, for
to founding an animal hospital that is still
positive outcomes for animals.
running today.
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ENDICOTT, NY
ASPCA HEADQUARTERS
PERMIT NO. 123
424 East 92nd Street New York, NY 10128 (212) 876-7700
CRISTINA E ARGUDO 12345 Anywhere Road New York, NY 10128