52 Severely Neglected Animals Rescued From A Hoarder's Home In Florida

One phone call saved 52 animals’ lives.

According to the ASPCA , 47 dogs, four cats and a horse were rescued from a severe hoarding situation in a Bell, Florida home on Thursday.

The investigation was initiated by The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office after a concerned citizen reported seeing several neglected dogs and a dead horse in the home's front yard, NBC South Florida reports.

Once on the property, ASPCA responders discovered the animals living in horrific conditions. There was no food in the overcrowded home and many of the animals appeared emaciated and suffering from untreated medical conditions.

The deceased horse was was transported to the University of Florida, in nearby Gainesville, for a necropsy exam and the other animals were taken to an anonymous temporary shelter to receive care.

The Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office reports that cruelty charges are pending and a forensic science team at the ASPCA is collecting evidence to support the case.

Although the reasons why people hoard animals varies and can be extremely complicated, CIA social worker, Carrie Jedlicka told Mother Nature Network that anxiety and depression are common culprits. In many cases hoarders are also individuals who have experienced an early childhood trauma and are lacking a strong parent figure. They look to animals’ unconditional love to fill a void.

The hoarding of animals usually happens slowly and the accumulation typically accelerates because the owner does not spay or neuter their pets.

“Most are open to intervention and know they need help,” Jedlicka told Mother Nature Network. “It wasn’t their intention to get into that situation.”

The 52 animals rescued in Florida are only a tiny fraction of a gigantic problem and plenty of other pets need aid as well. To help the ASCPA continue their work, you can make a donation here .

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