The Roanoker - March/April 2016 - 25

lion). U.S. households average
2.1 cats, 1.6 dogs. Recent surveys
show that young adults are driving an increase (about 3 percent)
in dog and cat ownership.
Americans adore all manner of
pets. A recent survey by the AVMA
came up with 57 million fish; 2
million turtles, more than a million hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes
(yep) and lizards and 12 million
birds of various descriptions. We
own 3 million rabbits.

Dr. Mark Freeman, a vet at the
Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg,
says, "Probably the most common mistake people make when
acquiring a new pet, is not considering how well the pet will fit into
[the owners'] lifestyle, especially if
they are considering starting with
a young pet.
"Many people make a decision
based on the pet's appearance or
the breed's reputation, without

A GROWING PROBLEM:
Animal Hoarding

Angels of Assisi, a well-known local community

"Upper respiratory problems, missing eyes or

"A lot of it is public donations; the media is always

pet clinic and adoption center, often deals with

limbs, or sometimes simply not enough affec-

great about covering stories like hoarding," says

animal hoarding cases. Hoarding is much more

tion."

Brown.

common than many realize. In 2015, Angels of

Last year, Angels became response partners

PetSmart charities and grants are also a huge

Assisi dealt with a record 12 cases of hoarding,

with the ASCPA and Humane Society of the United

help. When customers check out at PetSmart,

rescuing 337 dogs and cats (409 if you count the

States, bringing several of their cases in that way.

they're asked about donating a few dollars. That

farm animals).

With people hearing about the partnerships, shel-

money goes back into the PetSmart charity, which

"We do not go in and seize the animals," says

ters reached out to Angels and asked for help,

in turn gives funds to centers like Angels of Assisi.

Foster Coordinator Chelsea Ellis. "Animal Control

whereas before they might not have been able

gets involved so it's all done from a legal aspect.

to do anything about a hoarding case.

No matter how much you love animals, a
crowded house isn't healthy for you or your pets.

While most instances are with dogs or cats,

"Ask for spay-neuter help. There are places out

hoarding can apply to farm animals too, from

there, not just us, that offer financial assistance

In one previous case, the owners started out

goats and cows to roosters and pigs. While the

if you can't afford it," Ellis adds.

with two dogs. Because they didn't spay and neu-

cats and dogs go to the Angels center located in

If you adopt an animal through Angels of Assisi,

ter, the number quickly grew to 27. Typically, the

downtown Roanoke, the farm animals are trans-

your pet receives spay-neuter surgery, vaccines,

mindset of hoarders is that they can take care of

ported to Harmony Farm Sanctuary, a 92-acre

microchip, heartworm testing, deworming, and a

their animals better than anybody else.

farm that houses over 200 animals. Luckily, the

full vet exam to note any possible issues. Owners

Animal Control often has to go into homes

success rate for adoption on all the animals is ac-

can also come back after adoption to make sure

wearing protective gear. Adoption Center Direc-

tually quite high, most likely because the animals'

their pet is up to date on their health checks. If

tor Matthew Brown explains in most cases, the

backstories tug at the heartstrings.

they ever find they're unable to take care of the

Once the animals are seized, that's when we step
in and treat and adopt them out."

animals roam freely inside the house. However,

"Folks are ready and willing to help out and

animal, Angels has an open door policy to return

many of these animals live in squalor, so they

love the animal; they aren't just another dog of

the animal, whether it's been 10 days or 10 years.

have health problems when they arrive at the

20 in the house," says Ellis.

center.
"It's a lot of medical on our end," Brown says.

THEROANOKER.COM

Angels of Assisi gets an abundance of help
from the community, especially in hoarding cases.

Angels is always accepting volunteers and donations (monetary or supplies). Learn more at
angelsofassisi.org. -LIZ LONG
MARCH/APRIL 2016 | 25
http://www.angelsofassisi.org http://www.THEROANOKER.COM
The Roanoker - March/April 2016

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