ASPCA Works to Address Animal Hoarding

A conductor for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company, Gary Garbrandt previously served 20 years in the US Marine Corps, where he held titles such as production supervisor, first sergeant, and detachment commander. The owner of a pair of rescue dogs, Gary Garbrandt sends monthly donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 

The ASPCA works to prevent animal cruelty of all forms, including the complex issue of animal hoarding, in which individuals keep more pets than they are able to care for. In extreme cases, animal hoarding can lead to starvation, illness, or death, despite the fact the owners believe they are doing the right thing. According to the ASPCA, over 250,000 animals are victims of animal hoarding each year. Many begin collecting pets following the traumatic loss of a loved one, while others view themselves as rescuers and go out of their way to find space in their home for homeless animals. 

If you believe someone is hoarding animals, contact your local animal welfare organization or police department. Additionally, you can contact local service groups and mental health agencies to assess and help the individual engaged in hoarding. However, you also should alert the person of your intentions and assure them that their animals will receive the urgent care they need. Finally, you can help by volunteering with local shelters that might be impacted by taking in animals from a hoarding situation.

ASPCA Hosts First-Annual After Dark Event for Young Professionals

After spending more than 20 years in the Marine Corps, Gary Garbrandt has worked as a conductor for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad based out of Minot, North Dakota. In his downtime, Gary Garbrandt supports the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and has adopted two rescue dogs.

As the first humane society formed in North America, the ASPCA began in 1866 as a result of the efforts of Henry Bergh. He sought to prevent animal cruelty throughout the United States. Today, the nonprofit fulfills this mission thanks in part to more than 2 million supporters nationwide.

Since it is a nonprofit, the ASPCA relies on financial contributions and special events to raise funds. On April 20, 2017, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, the organization held its first-annual ASPCA After Dark event. The event occurred in conjunction with the annual Bergh Ball. The After Dark cocktail party featured young professional supporters of the ASPCA. It was hosted by actress Lucy Hale with music by The Misshapes. Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items, including Seth Meyers tickets and a Hamptons getaway.