Hoarding As a Mental Health Disorder

6. Animal Hoarding

Some people with a hoarding disorder collect large numbers of animals, regardless of their ability to provide adequate care. A Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine study found that although the behavior is present in all ages and sexes, 76% of the animal hoarding cases involved females. Around 60% of these women were over the age of 60. Later studies highlight that animal hoarding is not only a serious mental health issue but an animal cruelty and public health problem as well. The hoarder doesn't intend to be cruel to animals and often believes they are providing adequate care. They often start out with good intentions but are unable to keep up with the growing demands of caring for a large number of animals. Without treatment, the studies show a 100% chance of relapse in animal hoarding behavior.