Animal Hoarding

It sounded like heaven on earth for homeless dogs and cats: The Freedom Animal Rescue Ranch, in Victorville, California.   In fact, it was more like hell: 230 dogs and 40 cats crammed into a small area that was licensed for no more than 50.  When the animals were discovered in 2003, several dogs began a new life at Best Friends, and animal welfare groups in Victorville, California who urgently looked for good homes and shelters that could help out.

Several of the dogs are now beginning a new life here at Best Friends, and animal welfare groups in Victorville, California, are urgently looking for more good homes and shelters that can help out.

The syndrome, known as animal hoarding, is now recognized by the medical profession as a psychiatric disease that's closely related to obsessive compulsive disorder. The trouble is, animal hoarders usually masquerade as "rescuers," describing their homes as "shelters." And in most states, there are no clear laws and penalties to control them.

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