Outcome: The individual did manage to comply and sell off her properties, but
only after being compelled to do so by regulatory orders. This case illustrated the
need for a tool to measure the severity of hoarding to put things into context. The
Institute for Challenging Dis organization had previously developed an intuitive
and user-friendly ‘Clutter-Hoarding Scale™ (ICD, 2016) that PMIHC was able to
adopt and use in its routine operations.Case 2: Cat hoarding, toxic ammonia levels and first responders
An ageing couple str-
uggling with health
issues and loneliness
due to an ‘empty nest’
allowed their do-
mestic cat population
to surge to over 25
animals. Conditions
in the home deterior-
ated such that the
squalor created am-
monia levels in excess
of ten times the safe
chronic exposure levels.
(ATSDR, 2004) A coord-
inated response was
mounted involving officials from fire, environmental health, animal welfare, mental
health, police and ambulance services.
Outcome: The couple was successfully relocated and connected with appropriate
services and referrals. The animals were seized and put into care, but many were
euthanized due to health complications. This case illustrated the need for ensuring
that air quality assessments are part of ensuring both occupant and responder safety.
It also underlined the fact that first responders^2 are core to early detection and there
is a need for awareness and upstream coordination. A ‘First Responders Guide’ and
an ‘Initial Intake/Assessment Form^3 was created to further improve coalition efforts.(^1) Also referred to as Environmental Health Officers in various countries.
(^2) Ambulatory personnel indicated that they had been aware of the situation for 4–5 years,
but were not aware of how to report to an appropriate authority.
(^3) Copies of both documents are available upon request by emailing the PMHIC Secretariat
(For details, visit: http://prairiemountainhealth.ca/index.php/9-programs-services/36-healthy-
communities)
Loneliness, homelessness, ageing and interrelations with companion animals
While not often discussed, the role of companion animals in urban com-
munities can be key to individual livelihoods. They provide support, with
a number of psychosocial benefits such as decreased depression, decreased
Case Study 6. Continued.The Social Implications of Improved Animal Welfare 33