One welfare a framework to improve animal welfare and human well-being

The Social Implications of Improved Animal Welfare 31

Overwhelmed caregiver Rescuer hoarder Exploiter hoarder

Has more tendency towards
some psychological
disorders, including
mental health conditions
such as mood disorders,
schizoaffective disorders
or psychotic disorders

Demonstrates predatory

behaviour – will lie,

cheat or steal without

remorse and potentially

has a plan to use these

tools to achieve own

ends

Allows intervener to
gain entry, client more
likely to respect the
system and comply with
recommendations; is less
deliberately secretive

Has fewer issues with
authorities or need to
control animals or property

Avoids authorities or

impedes their access

Plans to evade the law and

beat the system, such

as dispersing animals to

other animal hoarders or

friends

Rejects authority or any

outsider’s legitimate

concern over animal care

Table 2.2. Continued.

the only ones who can adequately care for the animals, and they have

issues declining to care for additional animals to care for. They may

work alone or in a network but generally avoid authorities.

• The exploiter hoarder, who mainly looks for self-benefit. The causes

for this are complex and are linked to characters who may come across

as charming, articulate, manipulative and cunning. They may also be

self-concerned and do not express remorse or guilt, evading the law and

lying, cheating or stealing if necessary (Patronek et al., 2006). This may

occur in conjunction with other unlawful activities, such as financial

crime (Sylvester and Baranyk, 2011a,b).

A multidisciplinary approach to address animal hoarding should

include those related to community health and welfare, such as those

looking after animal welfare, human health and mental health, housing,

law enforcement, sanitation and the environment (Patronek et al., 2006).

Interventions such as animal euthanasia, rehoming, human therapy, social

support or enforcement are examples of actions that may be taken to ad-

dress hoarding situations. However, the ideal solution for each particular

case needs to be carefully studied and tailored to the individual circum-

stances and resources available. The welfare of first responders is also a

key element that needs to be accounted for, with provision of adequate

support to them too.