Should Hoarding Animals be Considered Animal Abuse Essay Example

they are in control of their situation, while some are unaware of the suffering animals hidden from sight. The reasons behind hoarding behavior are frequently disregarded, as these individuals feel a strong need to accumulate animals following illness or trauma. Consequently, hoarders develop strong attachments to their pets and may hesitate to seek assistance even when they recognize the distress the animals are experiencing, out of fear of losing their beloved companions. Despite the typically disordered state of a hoarder's home, they may find a sense of achievement within this disorder.

Amidst the chaos, both the hoarders and animals suffer from deplorable living conditions. The consequences are undeniably distressing - one may even find animals preserved in trash and excrement. Each year, authorities receive numerous reports of hoarders, but there is still a chance that they will defend themselves by citing their disability in court (Cassiday, 2016). Animal hoarding is an abhorrent crime that occurs too often, distinguished by the prolonged suffering endured by these helpless creatures.

Each year, around 250,000 animals become victims of these immoral actions. This number only includes reported incidents, and their frequency has consistently increased in recent years. Studies show that most hoarders are females, and cats and dogs are the most frequently hoarded animals. Despite receiving treatment, hoarders often return to their previous mindset. The most effective solution to tackle this problem is to prohibit hoarders from owning any animals.

The living conditions for these animals can negatively impact both the animals themselves and the property. Waste and other materials contaminate the homes. Legal actions can be taken, but prosecuting most hoarders is difficult due to potential mental illness. However, in nearly

all instances, the abused animals are removed from the hoarder's care. Despite using their illness as justification, many states have heightened punishments to address this issue.

(Animal Legal Defense Fund, 2019) Despite my disagreement and refusal to accept illness as a justification, animal hoarding is commonly misunderstood. Although it may result in more suffering and death compared to intentional acts of abuse, hoarders are often unaware of their wrongdoing, much like a child. While there are numerous articles available online that offer a general understanding of animal abuse, very few delve deeper into the issue. This article also features statements from authorities who describe the conditions in these homes as "deplorable" with excessive amounts of garbage and feces present. Unfortunately, a large majority, if not all, of the animals found in these situations are beyond help and are often euthanized.

According to A. Taite (2015), the issue at hand is the low standards of persecution for this heinous act. These individuals are often let go with minimal consequences, which increases the likelihood of relapse or worsened behavior. It is crucial to establish stricter laws specifically aimed at persecuting these individuals, as harsher punishments typically result in a decrease in such crimes. Many people are misled by the common stereotype of the "crazy cat lady," but it is important to distinguish between stereotypes and the actual caretakers of numerous cats. Contrary to popular belief, most of these women are capable of adequately providing for these animals.

(V. Hayes, 2010) In short, a large number of individuals who mistreat animals go unpunished and exploit their illnesses as a means of justification. This conduct is both cruel and repugnant. Subjecting any

creature, especially one that has not caused harm, to such mistreatment is inexcusable. Whether or not they have committed heinous acts, no being should endure these conditions where their skin begins to decay while they are still alive, surrounded by filth.

Despite the potential for a significantly worse situation for many animals if left unchecked, they would undoubtedly continue to accept more animals without concealing their actions if they could do so unharmed. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that these actions warrant a significantly harsher punishment.