We have all watched in amazement and abject horror, documentaries about animal hoarding. To the people in these situations, it is a choice they consciously make to take in scores of pets, viewing it as rescuing and protecting, usually filling a gap in their lives. Unfortunately it becomes an obsession and, as money and space shrink, conditions can rapidly become squalid and life-threatening.

Hoarding is an illness. Intentions are benign at first, even good, but develop into unintentional abuse towards the very animals the person professes to love. Blinded by their disease, these people live in denial and are unable to see the true state of their beloved pets.

The situation develops slowly over time so family and friends often miss or do not understand the signs. If someone does finally raise a questioning eye or voice a concern, they are often explained away by the hoarder who then begins to withdraw from society. Eventually even those closest to them are shut out and blocked from the home.

It is this disappearing act and denied access to the premises that deter those who can help, from acting on their suspicions. Only when conditions get so bad or something tragic happens does the situation come to light. It is then graphically splashed all over the news and the public is astounded that this could happen in their town.

It is at this stage that the burden of cleanup falls on the taxpayers and community’s resources. The costs for rescuing, boarding, treating, feeding and often euthanizing come out of our pockets. If criminal charges are made, add that to the total for public defense and incarceration.

Hoarding is often difficult to recognize, even for close friends and family. It is human nature to accept explanations and overlook shear numbers of pets because we want to believe in the goodness of the person we care about. Educate yourself to recognize the signs by doing some online research.

Early intervention is paramount to prevent the suffering of the animals and even the person. Do not back down or turn a blind eye when confronted with a home sheltering more than a reasonable number of pets. If the situation looks and smells bad, it probably is.

Once addressed, counseling and treatment for the hoarder is advised, and can be quite effective. Future support and monitoring by friends and family will help keep the person on track. Perhaps visiting more often will help lessen that “missing something” feeling.

If you suspect someone of being a hoarder or animal abuser, please do not hesitate to call Animal Control during business hours, or 911 if it is urgent, after hours, or on the weekend. It can be anonymous. Although the call may be difficult to make (I know, I’ve done it), the lives of helpless animals are at stake, and their rescue is more important than hurt feelings and embarrassment. Stepping in and speaking up is the right thing to do.