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Animal Hoarding

Animal hoarding is an issue that affects the whole community. The animals are often the silent victims of the problem. In order to help the animals we need to help the hoarders.

Animal hoarders accumulate large numbers of animals that they simply cannot care for. Some hoarders start with good intentions, but as the number of animals collected increases, the situation gets out of control.  The hoarder’s house can become covered with faeces and carcasses and ammonia levels can become dangerously high.  Hoarders often suffer serious psychological problems that must be addressed.  Animal hoarding is a health issue for the owner, animals and the community.

In a recent seminar held at RSPCA Victoria it was identified that a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to help animal hoarders and to reduce the rate of a repeat offence.  Attendees were engaged in discussions regarding the best approach to animal hoarding, including the formation of a taskforce, the need for a multi-organisation, collective approach and the need for research funding.  It was concluded that research and a collective approach are critical to better understand the causes, treatment, consequences and incidence of animal hoarding.

The RSPCA welcomes participation in this working group from organisations which may encounter animal hoarders, including those working in animal welfare organisations, environmental health, the police force, fire brigade, counsellors and researchers.  The group will discuss action to better manage animal hoarders, including training for staff in direct contact and education programs.  If you would like to be part of this working group, please contact Dr Kate Breuer, Animal Welfare Policy Officer, phone (03) 9224 2285 or kbreuer@rspcavic.org.au.

To view the presentations from the seminar, please click on the presentations below:

• Dr Hugh Wirth AM KSJ (President, RSPCA Victoria)
  Overview of Animal Hoarding Case Studies
   

• Dr Chris Mogan (Psychologist)
  Profile of an Animal Hoarder and Treatment
   

• Ms Allie Jalbert (Senior Inspector, RSPCA Victoria)
  How the Inspectorate Deals with Animal Hoarding
   

• Ms Merewyn Smith (Executive Manager Animal Services, RSPCA Victoria)
  The Impact of Animal Hoarding Cases on Shelters
   

• Mr Peter O’Brien (Senior Environmental Officer, Mornington Peninsula Shire)
  The Clean up – What’s involved
   

• Association Professor Gerry Naughtin (MIND)
  Social Consequences
   

• Dr Kate Breuer (Animal Welfare Policy Officer, RSPCA Victoria)
  A Collaborative Approach
   

• Ms Julie Harris (Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board)
  The Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Boards’ Perspective on hoarding as a fire hazard