Animal hoarding, previously known as "collecting," is a poorly understood phenomenon that transcends simply owning or caring for large numbers of pets. While cases have been investigated by the Hawaiian Humane Society, it is believed that many hoarders go unreported. Still more go undetected.

O'ahu law states that no household can contain more than 10 pet dogs without being considered a commercial operation. As for cats, there is no number limit, but the law is clear about the standard of care that must be provided to all pets.

An animal hoarder is defined as a person who has more animals than he or she can adequately care for. A defining characteristic is the hoarder's denial of his inability to care for the animals and failure to grasp the impact neglect has on the animals, the household and the human occupants of the dwelling.

The typical animal hoarder is an older, single woman, who lives alone and is socio-economically disadvantaged. However, hoarding knows no age, gender or financial boundaries.

Because animal hoarders quite often appear to lead normal lives, it is important to recognize when a person's fixation with animals has gotten out of control. They are usually well-educated and good communicators. They can even pose as representatives of "animal sanctuaries" or shelters, where animals may be warehoused for years in deplorable conditions rather than being properly cared for or adopted. In addition, as a basic precaution, anyone who is considering relinquishing an animal to any organization should first visit the premises and ask to see where the animals are kept.

Every hoarder's behavior translates into severe, even fatal, neglect for animals in their custody. Overcrowded and filthy conditions make for easy transmission of worms, fleas, mange, ear mites, upper respiratory infections, parvo, distemper and other diseases and can lead to feces-matted coats and urine burns. Hoarded animals are commonly deprived of basic veterinary care, including spaying and neutering, causing the numbers of animals to increase or results in the separation of animals by sex and their confinement to small cages or bathrooms. Injuries — including broken limbs and wounds suffered in fights with other animals — go untreated and lead to infections.

Hoarding is unlike any other kind of abuse/neglect because most hoarders profess their love for their animals and do not intend to harm the animals. While having a large number of animals many not be illegal, if law enforcement finds that animals are neglected or abused, it's a crime.

Compulsive hoarding is also a psychological disorder, and people who suffer from this sickness are victims. Animal hoarding has serious consequences for the physical and mental health of hoarders and their families, the community and the animals. Without appropriate mental health treatment, these animal abusers are likely to resume hoarding.

Domestic animals are the largest group in hoarding cases, most likely because of availability and relative ease of care. Cats are very common because they are easier to conceal than dogs.

The community can help by notifying local police, the Hawaiian Humane Society or Animal CrimeStoppers if they suspect someone is hoarding animals.

ADOPTABLES

MARGIE

Tag No. 72049. She's pretty and she knows it! Margie enjoys the company of other cats, kids and adults, but not dogs. At 4 years , Margie is already spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Take this beautiful gal home today.

DOTTIE

Tag No. 71599. Smiling and attentive, Dottie is a medium-size dog that enjoys affection and playtime. She's a mix of Dalmatian and pit with a gorgeous, smooth, mostly white coat with an adorable brown dot over her left eye.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals.