The Animal Rescue League of Boston in tandem with MSPCA-Angell descended upon the North Shore of Massachusetts to free 199 animals from the clutches of a serial hoarder. The ARL brought 60 of those animals back to their Boston shelter for emergency medical care.
According to the ARL, the incident in Lynnfield was one of the largest hoarding encounters the organization has dealt with in recent years. Of those liberated was “a wide range of species including dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles” all of which lived in filthy conditions resulting in health issues due to neglect.
The ARL noted further that their cages and crates were stacked throughout the unsanitary home, though every animal was surrendered voluntarily.
“When people suffer from the complex psychological conditions that lead to animal hoarding, they become overwhelmed with caring for all the animals they accumulate,” explained Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, vice president of animal welfare at the AR.“In hoarding situations, both the owner and the animals need help. If you see something that suggests an animal hoarding situation, say something to your local authorities.”
To help with the massive volume of animals, the ARL was able to find temporary aid for cats requiring long-term medical treatment at the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats in Lunenburg, Mass. Similarly, the reptiles were placed in the care of Jabberwock Reptiles in Winchester, Mass.
The ARL shelter will house six dogs and 13 birds as their health continues to improve to full strength. Already they’ve zeroed in on potential adopters for the understandably shy pooches.
To help bolster and expedite the recovery process, South Boston’s Broadway Dog Spa donated grooming materials and similar services. But unfortunately it’s simply not enough. The ARL is soliciting donations in order to continue giving the helpless animals the applicable care they need.
The ARL recently made a trip near the BostInno office where they saved a defenseless seagull who got itself stuck in one of the trees adorning Quincy Marketplace. After at least an hour, ARL personnel was able to cut the gull loose.
[image via ARL]
