Animal hoarders do more harm than good.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (45737)
July 1, 2025 5:36pm CST
These poor babies...134 of them in the same vehicle, in a Taco Bell parking lot. It makes me sick...and yes, before anyone says anything, I know the people doing these things are mentally ill. They need help, for sure. But it often comes too late, as the person will not always seek help.
I never realized just how many animal hoarders there really was in the world, until I was deep into my rescue work, years ago. People think they are saving a dog or a cat from homelessness, hunger, lack of shelter, whatever...but so often, these people take in more animals than can every be cared for.
Animal control officers dread these calls. It's not the work so much as it is what it does to the heart. Dogs, cats, bunnies, even rats and snakes...when the hoard gets out of hand, it is often very easy to see, as the hoarder/owner cannot contain them anymore.
If by some chance you know of someone that hoards animals to save them, and then can't feed them all, call and get some help for them. Animals and people can't live under these conditions.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/woman-arrested-after-134-cats-found-in-u-haul-van-in-taco-bell-parking-lot-28-of-them-dead/ar-AA1HL6hd?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=8b020d5b46054266927735bca897d04b&ei=20
13 people like this
10 responses
@AmbiePam (100074)
• United States
2 Jul
I know someone who got animal control called on them. They didn’t confiscate the animals so I assumed it wasn’t an emergency, but they gave her time to find homes for several of the animals. And, she did. It wasn’t like the dire situation you bring up, but it was two shakes of a lamb’s tail from getting out of hand.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
2 Jul
From what I have seen in the past, it can get out of control very quickly. I fostered dogs for a long time. I was always pressured to take more and I stuck to two, as often one of the fosters had babies on the way. Plus, the cost of good care and food can add up in a big hurry!
At least the authorities gave that lady a bit of time to find a home for hers.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (57259)
• Philippines
2 Jul
I'm a dog lover Choey is a rescued. She's been for us for more than 3 years. Everytime I saw stray dogs and cats my heart melts especially when they're maltreated by passersby or standbys.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (57259)
• Philippines
2 Jul
@MarieCoyle you're right. That's how we can do to save those stray dogs and cats that were abandoned by their owners.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
2 Jul
Rescue is the best way! I appreciate all rescue pet parents!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
2 Jul
@Nakitakona My best pets have all been rescues. Many people do not realize that they can even find certain breeds of dogs or cats in rescue. People buy animals on a whim, then often they realize the pet needs not only food and vet care, but training, attention, and love. They can't do it, so the pet goes to rescue.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (176532)
• Boise, Idaho
2 Jul
I hadn't thought about that. If people can't take care of them they need to stop hoarding them.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (176532)
• Boise, Idaho
Just now
@MarieCoyle .......Yes, this is true. They are trying to do a good thing which must count for something.
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
2 Jul
Yes, often when the person trying to help gets way overwhelmed with too many animals, they can't provide for all of them, so they are worse off than they were before they were rescued.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
2 Jul
It’s like an illness. They like animals. Often, they live alone and appreciate the comfort and love an animal gives. Then they see another stray and bring it inside. Maybe the cats mate and have kittens, or have puppies, or whatever. Soon they can’t afford to feed them all, they don’t get vet care, no new kitty litter, etc. in extreme hunger situations, the adults can sometimes prey on the babies. Sounds horrible and it is, but if they are starving, it happens.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
21h
@rakski
It is horrible, and most generally the hoarder's house is uninhabitable.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (86526)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19h
I avoid reading things like this I just can't stand it. If I could I would fill my apartment with cats but I know that is not logical so if I get another it will be one which I can afford,
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (193203)
• United States
2 Jul
This kind of thing makes me sick to my stomach. I can't imagine the suffering that goes on in this country let alone in the world.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (193203)
• United States
21h
@MarieCoyle There are animals and people suffering all around the world. Many that no one knows about.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
20h
@LindaOHio
Yes, there is. And it's hard to think about, but it's reality. A person has to wonder...what if everyone helped just one person? Just one. And I am not talking about financial support so much as I am other small things...an encouraging word or two, a donation to a food pantry or an animal shelter, giving someone a ride if they need it, just...simple things, not necessarily expensive.
I know...I've been told I'm a dreamer.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
21h
I'm sorry, Linda. I would save them all if I could, but it's not humanly possible.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (17197)
• Raurkela, India
2 Jul
In India too dog shelters do not always take good care of dogs as the run on donations.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
21h
Most of our animal shelters/rescue places, etc. are almost always maxed out. People are giving up their pets at an alarming rate, as food and vet costs have risen so much.
@laser_vision (102)
• United States
2 Jul
Most good desires that get out of control are bad. Moderation in all things. The good people in this life, sometimes they aren’t the heroes, but the ones that they accept that they have limitations. I mean, you have to expand your limits first before you can take on more responsibility.
Taking care of a few animals well is better than a lot of animals badly.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (45737)
•
2 Jul
''Taking care of a few animals well is better than a lot of animals badly''
I completely agree with that statement. But some people simply do not understand moderation, unfortunately.
1 person likes this
