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.
