Animal hoarding causes severe welfare deprivation for large numbers of animals kept in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with inadequate care.
Animals in hoarding situations suffer from progressive neglect as the hoarder loses ability to provide adequate care. Overcrowding, disease, and malnutrition cause significant suffering that often goes undetected for extended periods. Effective intervention requires both animal welfare enforcement and mental health support for the hoarder to prevent recurrence.