Heaven on earth?
It sounded like heaven on earth for homeless dogs and cats: The Freedom Animal Rescue Ranch, in Victorville, California. In fact, it was more like hell: 230 dogs and 40 cats crammed into a small area that was licensed for no more than 50. When the animals were discovered in 2003, several dogs began a new life at Best Friends, and animal welfare groups in Victorville, California who urgently looked for good homes and shelters that could help out.
The syndrome, known as animal hoarding, is now recognized by the medical profession as a psychiatric disease that’s closely related to obsessive compulsive disorder. The trouble is, animal hoarders usually masquerade as “rescuers,” describing their homes as “shelters.” And in most states, there are no clear laws and penalties to control them.
If you are interested in adopting one of these cats or dogs, please email me and I will direct you to folks in California who can send more information as well as adoption papers.
