In the last 24 months, prolific cases of animal hoarding have been identified across the state in Adams, Bedford, Lancaster, Luzerne, Somerset, Union, and York Counties. In these cases, hundreds of dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals have been found to be in dangerous environments. Many were found with broken limbs, malnourished, and infested with mites or fleas, causing immense suffering for the animal.

When a report of animal hoarding is acted upon by local law enforcement, shelters and rescues are called to assist officers. This often causes the shelter or rescue to reach their housing capacity and prompts the staff to utilize an abnormal amount of resources such as food, medicine, and bathing products, due to the large influx of animals being rescued in a single event. As a result, increased strain is placed onto our animal welfare organizations and their volunteers.

Currently, Pennsylvania recognizes “neglect” and “cruelty” to animals under Title 18. Pennsylvania law has yet to explicitly address the hoarding of animals. As such, I plan to introduce legislation that would define “animal hoarding” and provide for mental health evaluations for the defendant prior to the sentencing period.

Hoarding can often be a symptom of a mental health crisis or condition. Owners can accumulate animals for a variety of reasons, such as fear of abandonment or fear of the animal’s safety; not realizing the harm they are causing. A mental health evaluation could give an owner the information needed to obtain adequate medical care, engage in treatment planning, or be prescribed medications, to prevent future instances of hoarding.

Pennsylvania would not be the only state to act upon this issue. Rhode Island has established “Hazardous Accumulation of Animals,” and Illinois has established the “Companion Animal Hoarder,” each providing for standards of animal hoarding and appropriate repercussions for a violation of their state’s statutes.

Please consider joining me on a co-sponsorship to address this increasingly important issue across our Commonwealth.