Animal advocates say a recent string of hoarding and neglect cases is keeping attention on the strains local shelters face.
Recent headlines include more than 200 animals pulled from a farm in rural St. Clair County, 95 pets found dead and alive on a property in Genesee County, and more than 40 dogs found living in deplorable conditions at a Detroit home.
Those cases, all uncovered in the past month, have underscored the resources needed to care for animals rescued from hoarding situations.
Kristina Millman-Rinaldi, executive director of Detroit Dog Rescue, said her organization often takes in pets rescued from hoarding cases, and that many require extensive veterinary and behavioral care before they can be rehomed.
“We do see various types of animal hoarding quite often, whether that’s being over your city limit, which everybody should know what their city limit for uncaged animals is, or we’re talking dozens and dozens of pets,” Millman-Rinaldi said.
She said many of the animals arrive requiring long-term treatment and socialization.
“A lot of times these are socially, sensory-deprived animals,” Millman-Rinaldi said. “They’re animals that require a lot of grooming care, a lot of dentals, they haven’t had care their whole life, and sometimes they’ve never been outside.”
Millman-Rinaldi said many cases come to light through social services calls and reports from neighbors.
“A lot of times when you walk into these homes, there’s a strong presence and a strong smell of feces and urine, so we get a lot of child protective services, we get a lot of health department, and we also get a lot of calls from neighbors,” Millman-Rinaldi said.
Anyone who suspects animal neglect is urged to alert local law enforcement or animal control. Animal rescue organizations can also receive anonymous reports.
Detroit Dog Rescue has an online help line where anyone can provide anonymous tips regarding possible animal abuse or neglect.