Animal Collectors

Some pet owners, usually cat owners, have a serious problem known as "collecting."

A "collector" is a person who (with willful intent) believes he or she is "saving" the animals from the streets and starvation by bringing them into his or her home (collectors usually live alone).  The problem begins when collectors can't seem to say no to an animal and end up with 10 to 100 animals in residential homes.

They soon find that they cannot afford to feed and adequately care for the animals.  They become overrun with cat boxes, kittens or puppies, bills and more bills.

So with willful neglect, the animals are the ones who suffer:

• The animals live in overcrowded conditions.
• Food is fed to large groups, without consideration of special needs.
• Veterinary care is not always available, due to cost.
• Highly contagious and deadly or debilitating diseases such as upper respiratory viruses, parvo virus, feline leukemia, etc. can easily be passed between animals.
• Animals may become feral (wild) or aggressive due to limited human interaction.

The collectors' homes are usually so unsanitary that it becomes a health issue to the collector. 

Further:

• Property values can be reduced.
• Odors can be overpowering and may affect neighboring residences.
• Even after Animal Control intervenes, the collector may start collecting again.

A collector's heart may be in the right place, but he or she doesn't know when or how to stop.  Jefferson County Animal Control officers have rescued hundreds of animals from collectors' homes and helped to place them in healthy environments.  Please contact Animal Control at 303-271-5070 if you suspect you have an animal collector in your neighborhood.

 

Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:17 PM