The Hoarder
The majority of hoarding cases are reported by neighbours and social service agencies who are concerned with the health of the animals, the health of the hoarder, and the community’s health due to the often deplorable living conditions.
Hoarders look to excuses and justifications when confronted with their situation, of these the most common are:
- Denial
- Self-victimization
“The Link”
Hoarding is indicative of mental illness, emotional trauma, a lack of human connection, and can also be an indicator of domestic violence, elder abuse, and child maltreatment. Therefore, it is important for law enforcement to help hoarders to prevent any future abuse from occurring in the household to either pets or humans.