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SPCA speaks about horrific hoarder case

The RandWest SPCA speaks about dealing with hoarders and how it affects those involved.

The manager of the RandWest SPCA, Inspector René van Straten, has given an update regarding the shocking hoarder case that was investigated recently, explaining the emotional toll it took on those involved.

Van Straten stated that the SPCA first became aware of the owner’s hoarding issues in December during which they also removed a few animals from the property. She added the owner promised that the conditions would improve. After seeing the conditions in the same state, the SPCA decided to remove animals for medical reasons and early in January, they executed their first warrant of the year on the hoarder’s property.

“We just decided that the empty promises are not going to work – especially since the conditions did not improve at all. We also decided that we would remove all the animals no matter what,” Van Straten expressed.

• Read the initial article here: Hoarder’s home of horrors: SPCA intervenes in shocking case of neglect

When the inspectors arrived at the property, they once again witnessed the horrifying conditions the animals had to endure. Cats were dying one after another, some animals were suffering from large parasite infestations and their drinking water was contaminated with maggots.

One of the dogs covered with an infestation.

The SPCA could not ignore the neglect and immediately removed the animals from the property. Van Straten mentioned that, since the owner was suffering from a mental disorder, her behaviour was very emotional.

The drinking water contaminated by maggots.

“We told her to not see this as us working against her but rather see it as an opportunity to focus on herself and to improve the situation.

“The reason she treated the animals in such a way might be due to the mental disorder she suffers from. It can be caused by many things such as depression, anxiety, trauma response or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can get to such a point that the person may not realise how badly it affects the animals or people around them,” Van Straten explained.

One of the pets inside the home.

She also explained it is not a situation where you can easily remove an animal because the owner does not necessarily neglect the animals on purpose.

“If you know you are struggling with some sort of mental illness, try to get professional help. Also, it’s best to not own so many animals. If there comes a point where you realise you cannot look after your animals anymore, the best solution is to hand those animals over to the SPCA,” she expressed.

The impact of hoarding is especially brutal for animals. As Van Straten explained these animals do not have a choice to live in such conditions.

“They do not have the option to ask for help or to remove themselves from the situation. That is why we are there – to help them.”

Cats inside the home.

Not only do these types of situations affect animals, but the inspectors as well.

“It is never a nice feeling to see an animal suffer. The emotional blackmail that goes with it is also very draining. Dealing with mental illnesses can be difficult since the person might threaten you if you try to remove their pet. We do not want to be a trigger and cause the person to hurt themselves. It was a very emotional confiscation and it took its toll.”

She further advised the community to inform the SPCA of any properties that may look abandoned but have animals on them. Especially if the conditions of the property look suspicious. She added bad smells coming from a disregarded property are usually also a dead giveaway to what might be going on inside the house.

If you notice anything, contact the RandWest SPCA on 078 911 0538 or 073 214 7451.

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