Tuesday, December 28, 2010

New task force combats animal hoarding problem

By Sarah Hollenbeck

FORT MYERS: In just two years, animal control officers have investigated a dozen serious animal hoarding cases. Dozens more are reported by neighbors, but never investigated.

Without a catalyst - like children or animals living in the deplorable conditions - local agencies have little authority to intervene.

"There seems to be more enforcement over the care of the animals than over the care of the inhabitants in the homes, which was a surprise to me," said Ann Arnall of Lee County Human Services.

A newly-established task force is working to change that. It's made up of law enforcement, psychiatrists and code enforcement hopes to combat Lee County's hoarding problem.

"There was really no formal partnership. A couple agencies may get involved in these situations, but several agencies expressed frustrations because they hit these barriers," Arnall said..." More & video

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