Nearly 200 Animals Rescued From Lynnfield 'Hoarding House'
LYNNFIELD (CBS) --- Nearly 200 dogs, cats, birds and reptiles are being cared for by area shelters in what the Animal Rescue League of Boston is calling one of the "largest hoarding situations the ARL has responded to in recent years."
A wide range of species including dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles lived in unsanitary conditions, stacked in cages and crates in different areas of the home, the ARL said. The 199 animals were voluntarily surrendered to the ARL and MSPCA-Angell at the end of February.
Lynnfield Police tell WBZ NewsRadio 1030 the animals were found when they were called for a well-being check at a single family home. The homeowner had died under non-suspicious circumstances, police said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports
Nearly 200 Animals Rescued From Lynnfield 'Hoarding House'
"When people suffer from the complex psychological conditions that lead to animal hoarding, they become overwhelmed with caring for all the animals they accumulate," said Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, vice president of animal welfare at the ARL. "In hoarding situations, both the owner and the animals need help. If you see something that suggests an animal hoarding situation, say something to your local authorities."
The Animal Rescue League of Boston worked with the MSPCA to remove the animals and bring them to area shelters. The animals are now being cared for at the ARL shelter as well as MSPCA shelters in Boston and at Nevins Farm adoption center in Billerica.
"For almost all of them, they are suffering from internal or external parasites or conjunctivitis," MSPCA spokesperson Rob Halpin told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
Many of the animals are in rough shape; some suffering from upper respiratory infections, mites, eye and dental issues. The MSPCA says many will need extensive treatment but some of the birds and dogs are available for adoption now.
MSPCA and ARL is asking anyone who would like to contribute to the cost of caring for the animals, or who want more information about the animals to go to their websites: MSPCA or ARL
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