Cat-Hoarding Situation Nixed In Spotsylvania: Report

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA—Authorities removed 84 cats from an area home last week, according to a report in the Free Lance-Star. Several of the cats have since given birth to kittens, and all of them are being cared for at the Fredericksburg SPCA, the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter or by foster families.

A worker at the Fredericksburg SPCA said Friday, June 21, that the cats were part of "a hoarding situation." Some had ear infections and skin conditions, and the sickest were treated at an area pet hospital.

Dalia Salah, deputy director of the Fredericksburg SPCA, told the newspaper that most of the cats—once recovered—should be OK to adopt but might fare better in barn homes.

She also told the newspaper that, "We do not want anyone to be shamed, and we don't want to hinder people reaching out to us who might be in a similar condition and need help. We have trained team members who are available to talk in a judgment-free way."

The ASPCA has tips about what to do is a hoarding situation is suspected: Not everyone who has multiple animals is an animal hoarder. However, if you think someone you know is struggling with animal hoarding, here are some ways you can help:

• Call your local humane law enforcement department, police department, animal welfare organization or veterinarian to initiate the process. A phone call may be the first step to getting hoarders and the animals the help they need.
• Contact social service groups. Your local department of the aging, adult protective services, health departments and other mental health agencies may be able to provide services or links to services.
• Reassure the animal hoarder that it's okay to accept help. Animal hoarders are usually worried that their animals will be killed or that they will never see them again. Regardless of the outcome, assure them that the animals need urgent care and that immediate action is necessary.
• Volunteer your time. With the removal of so many animals from a hoarding situation, the burden on local shelters can be staggering. Volunteer your time to help clean cages, socialize animals, walk dogs and perform other such necessary duties.
• Keep in touch. It may be appropriate for animals to be spayed and neutered and returned to their home if an animal hoarder can provide—or can be aided in providing—care. Under the guidance of an organization, help the individual with daily animal care chores. And if the individual acquires new animals, help ensure that they are spayed/neutered and vaccinated.