(continued on page 2) Animal hoarding is one of the most flagrant forms of animal cruelty, impacting thousands of animals, mostly dogs and cats in communities nationwide. “Animal hoarding is a complex and intricate issue with far-reaching effects that encom- pass mental health, animal welfare and public safety concern.” 1 Although historically, the animal hoarder was thought to be a well-meaning humane individual who took on too much responsibility, it is now thought that a hoarder suffers from attach- ment disorders coupled with personality disorders, paranoia, delusional thinking, depression and other mental illnesses. A quarter million animals are victims and 900 to 2,000 new cases are reported in the United States each year. Because hoarders do not provide even basic care, the victims suffer horrible abuse including severe malnutrition, untreated medical conditions such as open sores, cancers, advanced dental and eye disease, and severe psychological distress for years! The unsani- tary conditions pose serious health problems for both occupants and nearby residents. In addition, the costs of cleaning up a hoarding case can place financial stress on local humane groups and put a severe strain on volunteers and law enforcement officials. In the short term, neglected and abused animals should be removed, but in the long term, only improved laws can prevent hoarding. The public also needs to be educated as to their role in preventing what the Animal Legal Defense Fund stated is “the number one animal cruelty crisis facing companion animals in communities through- out the country.” 2 PROFILE OF AN ANIMAL HOARDER The animal hoarder is defined by the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, an independent group of academic researchers based in Massa- chusetts, as a collector having: • “More than the typical number of companion animals • Inability to provide even minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, and veterinary care with this neglect often resulting in starvation, illness and death • Denial of the inability to provide this minimal care and the impact of that failure on the Message from the President “Dignity for Animals” news FMCA FIGHT ANIMAL CRUELTY Kathy Milani/The HSUS IN THIS ISSUE… Spring 2012 Spring Luncheon Cat Facts Update On Kash Canine Obesity What To Do If You Find A Baby Animal Donations 2011 Update Wish List
Transcript
(continued on page 2)
Animal hoarding is one of the most flagrantforms of animal cruelty, impacting thousands ofanimals, mostly dogs and cats in communitiesnationwide. “Animal hoarding is a complex andintricate issue with far-reaching effects that encom-pass mental health, animal welfare and publicsafety concern.”1 Although historically, the animalhoarder was thought to be a well-meaning humaneindividual who took on too much responsibility, it isnow thought that a hoarder suffers from attach-ment disorders coupled with personality disorders,paranoia, delusional thinking, depression and othermental illnesses. A quarter million animals arevictims and 900 to 2,000 new cases are reported inthe United States each year. Because hoarders donot provide even basic care, the victims sufferhorrible abuse including severe malnutrition,untreated medical conditions such as open sores,cancers, advanced dental and eye disease, andsevere psychological distress for years! The unsani-tary conditions pose serious health problems forboth occupants and nearby residents. In addition,the costs of cleaning up a hoarding case can placefinancial stress on local humane groups and put asevere strain on volunteers and law enforcementofficials. In the short term, neglected and abusedanimals should be removed, but in the long term,only improved laws can prevent hoarding. Thepublic also needs to be educated as to their role inpreventing what the Animal Legal Defense Fundstated is “the number one animal cruelty crisisfacing companion animals in communities through-out the country.”2
PROFILE OF AN ANIMAL HOARDERThe animal hoarder is defined by the Hoarding of
Animals Research Consortium, an independentgroup of academic researchers based in Massa-chusetts, as a collector having:
• “More than the typical number of companionanimals
• Inability to provide even minimal standards ofnutrition, sanitation, and veterinary care withthis neglect often resulting in starvation, illnessand death
• Denial of the inability to provide this minimalcare and the impact of that failure on the
Message from the President
“Dignity for Animals”newsFMCAFIGHT ANIMAL CRUELTY
Kathy Milani/The HSUS
IN THIS ISSUE…Spring 2012
Spring Luncheon
Cat Facts
Update On Kash
Canine Obesity
What To Do If You FindA Baby Animal
Donations
2011 Update
Wish List
2 Spring 2012 301-977-4833
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT(continued from page 1)
animals, the household, and the human occupants of thedwelling.”3
Several types of hoarders have been identified: the overwhelmedcaregiver, the rescuer hoarder, the exploiter hoarder, the breederhoarder (think puppy mills), and the incipient hoarder. “While manyhoarders begin with the best intentions, they tend to lack the meansor tools necessary to care for the number of pets in their care.”4
Eventually, the compulsive care giving is pursed to maximizecontrols and fulfill unmet human needs. Although many animal
hoarders appear intelligent and clearly believe they are helping theiranimals, their psychological impairments have caused a total loss ofinsight: they are blind to the lack of care and extreme cruelty theyare inflicting on the animals. Although treatment involving a combi-nation of cognitive, behavioral and drug therapy has been tried, therecidivism rate is nearly 100 percent.
A detailed description of a hoarding case by the first responderswill both upset and anger you. (It will resemble my description of a“Puppy Mill,” FMCA Winter 2007-8.) A sampling of the hoardingcases from the animal hoarding project shows the wide range ofhoarder profiles and the extent to which the condition rather thanthe number of animals is so important: a girl in her 20’s with 11 sickpets in close quarters, used to be the life of the party; an exotic petowner shared a small home with 50 reptiles; a woman afraid to lether 8 dogs outside, allowed them to destroy her home; a youngman felt compelled to rescue pit bulls when he should have beencaring for his two year old daughter; a newlywed substituted petsfor kids, but her unspayed and unneutered cat population of 70 wasescalating rapidly; a New York couple kept fifty severely mattedPomeranian dogs in their filthy one bedroom apartment.
Hoarding of any sort poses significant environmental and healthconcerns for occupants and nearby residents. It also places a burdenon the social, animal, and legal networks in any community. Airpollution from gases of decay such as ammonia and bioaerosols canaffect the health of animal and human occupants, neighbors, andfirst responders. Fire hazards from extreme clutter, damaged electri-cal wiring, and blockage of exits are often encountered. Infestationsof insects and rodents can lead to the spread of zoonotic (infectious)
Friends of Montgomery County Animals, Inc.(FMCA) is an all-volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt humane organization. FMCA does nothave a shelter. All rescued animals are caredfor in foster homes. We receive nogovernment funding and are entirelydependent on private donations.
PresidentClaire B. M. Proffitt
Vice-PresidentJanet Lamkin
TreasurerWinnie Reed
301-762-1090
Recording SecretaryEllie Brown
Corresponding SecretaryMarion Webster
Board MembersSusan CameronSharon Gilder
Lynn GreenwaldSue Recher
Web MastersJulia and Drew Barto
Judy StoneAnn Virts
Interested in sharing a heart-warming poemor article of interest to be included in our nextnewsletter? Contributions are welcome.Please mail your articles to FMCA, PO Box386, Germantown, MD 20875 or send byemail to [email protected].
Do you have friends or neighbors who youthink might like to join Friends? Please feelfree to share this newsletter with them. Wewould love to have them as new members!
Don’t forget to visit our websitewww.fmca.org
(continued on page 7)
Kathy Milani/The HSUS
Hosts our weeklyCat Adoption Events
Visit us on Saturdays2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
at the Luv-A-Pet Centerin the Germantown store!
Milestone Center20924 Frederick Road
Germantown, MD
www.fmca.org Spring 2012 3
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May15, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. for FMCA’sannual spring luncheon. This year’sevent will be held at the 7,200 squarefoot Potomac home of FMCA presi-dent, Claire Proffitt. Come see Claire’slovely English Georgian home!
Built in 1979, its exterior is composedof used, Old Baltimore brick. Thehome’s expansive interior features alarge foyer with a baby grand pianoand curved staircase. The upper fronthall is distinguished by a gallery ofrailing running the circumference ofthe grand space decorated inWilliamsburg inspired paint colors. A wealth of antiques and oil paintings create the perfect showcase for Claire’s vast collection of metal and bronzesculptures purchased on her annual treks to Kenya.
In addition to the delicious food from River Falls Market, there will be doorprizes and a silent auction too! Featured in the silent auction will be a gorgeousPink Sapphire necklace, beautiful beaded dog collars and leads, and threeKazuri (Swahili word for small and beautiful) necklaces.
We hope you will help us with our membership drive by inviting several friendsto join you at the luncheon. Help our non-profit grow! Reservations arerequired in advance. Cost: $40.00 per person. Please RSVP by sending yourcheck payable to FMCA to: Winnie Reed, 14211 Dufief Mill Road, Gaithersburg,MD 20878.
Spring Into FMCA’s Luncheon!
Make the switch to VIRIDIAN today!
FMCA has joined the Residual Fundraising Program with Viridian Energy, a sociallyresponsible retail energy company that supplies competitively priced green energy in ourarea.
Sign up as a Viridian customer, and save money over time on the supply portion of yourenergy bill. Do your part to help the environment by choosing greener energy and youwould be doing all of this while helping FMCA. As a Viridian customer, FMCA receivesincome based on your energy usage. Plus FMCA receives a $250 bonus for everyCustomer milestone they reach.
This truly is a Win-Win-Win for all while supporting FMCA.
Choose from Viridian’s Fixed Rate Plan or Variable Rate Plan with two green options!
20 renewable energyno enrollment fees, receive only one billsame reliable service from your utility
Ann Wagner, Viridian Independent Associate – 301-512-0232
www.viridian.com/fmca
4 Spring 2012 301-977-4833
Cat FactsSusan Cameron
Training your cat? Or is your cat training you?This may seem like an oxymoron, but yes, we can train
our cats.Most believe that cats are independent and have a
mind of their own. Actually, they are quite responsive anddependent. They love their owners, and crave their atten-tion and support. Some times an animal seeminglydoesn’t obey, because they simply don’t under-stand what the owner is trying to communicate.
Time, patience and positive reinforcement arekey. Never scold a cat. Instead, praise the animalfor good behavior. Any cat can learn. It is best tostart young, but possible at any age.
Start by training your cat to come whencalled. Hold a treat and call its name. Find aquiet room without a lot of distractions. Catsare unique creatures, and highly sensitive tonoise and abrupt movements. Use shortsimple commands. Get on the same level asthe cat, give the command in a happy voice,and reward the cat with a treat when itcomes to you. Praise the cat as well. Thenmove away and repeat.
If the cat becomes bored and distracted, try anothertime. Try to do this two or three times a day, using thesame command and the same tone of voice. Once youhave established this command, you can move onto otherthings – such as the crate.
We think it is impossible to get our cats into a crate.Here are some helpful tips. Cats like warm dark places.So, place a comfortable blanket and maybe a toy in itscrate. Praise the animal when you place it in the crate.Leave the cat there for a few minutes, and then let it out.Don’t praise the cat when it leaves the crate. Begin toleave the cat in the crate for longer periods of time,
always rewarding the cat whenever it goes back in.Eventually the cat will be comfortable being in acrate.
Because of their exquisite sensitivity, catsneed to be handled carefully and gently.
They can be skittish, mostly because theysense something that agitates them intheir environment. They don’t like noise or
sudden movements. They love warmth,comfort, peace and tranquility.
And now the best part of being a catowner – all that we learn from them . . .“to go placidly amid the noise and hasteand remember what peace there maybe in silence; to avoid loud and aggres-sive persons, they are vexations to thespirit; to nurture strength of the spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune; tobe gentle with yourself and in the noisyconfusion of life keep peace with your
souls (“Desiderata” Max Ehrmann).”They can train us, if we are willing to be open, to
live our lives with grace and ease.Our cats are our Zen Masters.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Each week, several of FMCA’s foster kitties are showcased in the
Germantown PetSmart Luv-A-Pet center (Milestone Center).Many thanks to the following people for giving the cats and kittens their daily dose
of TLC and keeping the cages clean!
Susan Airis-EpesJulia and Drew Barto
Morgan Campbell and Matt FowlerReed de MossColleen FishterShelly Murillo
Kim Paddision-HerrStephanie Pewitt
Ted Rosner and Olivia RosnerKathy Schonely
Sharron Snapp and Emily SnappZea and Rob Van Tassell
www.fmca.org Spring 2012 5
Canine ObesityEllie Brown
The Cornell University of VeterinaryMedicine warns us that canine obesity in thiscountry has reached epidemic proportions.Nearly one half of the dogs in the U.S. areoverweight and one fourth areobese. These statistics rivalthose of our human popu-lations!
Medical studies haveshown that dogs on a leansensible diet live longerand have fewer health problems. Conditions exacerbatedby overweight include osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, dia-betes, and cardiovascular impairment. If you think thatyour dog is a bit pudgy, do consult your vet about a feed-ing program that will help him lose weight safely. Your petwill live a happier, healthier and longer life.
A few other health and safety tips from the CornellVeterinary University are as follows. One: See your vetregularly for check-ups, and to ensure his protectionagainst heartworm, Lyme disease, distemper and rabies.Two: Have your female dog spayed before her first heatto guard against mammary cancer. Three: Do not givebones to your dog. None are safe. Chocolate, grapes, andraisins are a no-no as well. Lastly – make provisions foryour pets in your will! Name a friend or a relative who iswilling to take immediate responsibility for your pet. Youdo not want your Best Friend taken to the shelter!
Update On Kash
Several years ago, FMCA helped provide medical carefor a horse named Kash. Kash, owned by Sher Povinale,director of House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary, isnow 26 years old. He is fostered by Kathy and RobertTaylor who own and operate TaylorMade stables in Mt.Airy.
Kathy provided us with an update on Kash!
“We at TaylorMade Stablesjust adore Kash. He is loved byall. The highlight of my day isdriving up to the barn to haveKash greet me with his little headsticking out the window to seewhat is going on in the parkinglot. He is turned out each daywith his “herd.” He has been withthe same group for about eightyears. A few new ones come inand a few leave. It is our desig-nated “pony” field. Kash is thepatriarch of the bunch.
Each night when I go down todo the nighttime check, Kashgets an extra hug and a fewtreats. My children just love him too. I think he has beenhere almost as long as my son can remember. So Kash isdefinitely a fixture here at the barn. He really enjoys hisbran mashes each week. They are nice and warm duringthe winter months.
I cannot imagine going to the barn without having himthere. We have children who come to the stable, and Iteach them horsemanship. We use Kash in the classes; heis groomed and bathed. He enjoys the attention so much!
I cannot say enough about this horse. He is truly ablessing in our life.”
Congratulations to“MY ABBY”
Household Pet (HHP) “My Abby” owned andloved by Kathy Schonely, FMCA volunteer and fosterparent, at the Winchester, Virginia cat show inOctober 2011 with just some of her winningrosettes.
She was adopted from Frederick County AnimalControl and enjoys showing in the HHP Class of CFA(Cat Fanciers Association) cat shows.
2011 Adoption and Fix-It-Fund Report
During 2011, FMCA’s Adoption and RescueGroup found new, loving homes for 186 cats andkittens. Please help FMCA increase the numberof adoptions in 2012 by spreading the wordabout the group to your family, friends, neigh-bors, co-workers, etc.
Nine animals owned by individuals or familiesfacing economic hard times were spayed/neutered or received other veterinary carethrough FMCA. We were able to TNR (trap-neuter-return) 63 feral cats due to the generousdonations to the Fix-It-Fund.
6 Spring 2012 301-977-4833
We would like to extend our thanks to the individuals and organizations that made our mission possible in 2011!
DONATIONS
Linda AbbottSusan Airis-EpesCarolyn S. AkinDaisy AlbaneseTerri AllenDr. and Mrs. Chester W. AndersonArts of Asia – Rich BlumDori BailinJulia and Drew BartoBrenda J. BayusLinda BennettAndrew BermanBetty Jane’s Sweet Delights –
Bobbie PontzerLaura R. BivansJean BlackDiane BlomquistBeverly and James BlondellElizabeth BradfordIrene BrodyEllie BrownSusan CameronMorgan CampbellAlice CloggDiane ColganL. Jean ColisonKaren CollinsPam CookJoan CormackPatricia Corthell and Bill SuydamPam and Phillip CotaPolly CroyderCarole DanielsonMarilyn and Harold DanknerPam DawsonDeco – Allen SmallReed de MossStephanie DeMossKim DesarioKristen DoermannLinda DoermannElizabeth and Richard Dubin FoundationDr. Cynthia A. EdwardsShirley M. EnnisGeorge T. EsherickPamela M. FalgeNatalie FalkLaura FeidelseitColleen FishterLuanne FlynnMatt FowlerMarina FoxFrederick County Humane SocietyGaithersburg Veterinary ClinicJoan GebhardtCathy George
James GibbsSharon and Mark GilderElizabeth GogginEllen GordonLynn GreenwaldJacqueline HandleyJoan HarlinMary HartzHearts Delight – Phyllis CondolonNancy and John HelselSue HighsmithDr. Bonnie HilemanMelody and Steven HockensmithLeigh HughesBarbara M. JamiesonKarin JohnsClaire D. JohnstonBetty and John JonesKaren Kay’s CakesMillicent KaufmanEleanor M. KeyserDr. Jenny KruegerLake Forest Animal HospitalJanet and Tom LamkinIrene LavoriniAmy LeeLinda LerchDr. Mark LibertoLittle Farms Garden Club of PotomacTracy and Ryan LoveEmily C. MaceiraJunior MagassyBarbara M. MaiesonMr. and Mrs Gerald A. MaliaLinda E. MargolisJean C. MarlowMr. and Mrs. C. H. McCormickMr. and Mrs. M. J. McGarryLinda McMakinShelley McVickerMetro Ferals Spay/Neuter ClinicsArlene L. MirkinBrenda and Nick MonacoMontgomery County Humane SocietyMontgomery Village Veterinary CenterJune MoreyMarcia MorganShelly MurilloSuzanne P. MurphyDr. Daniel and Jo Anne NegolaNegola’s ArkBonnie and Douglas O’ConnorLeslie and James O’Gwin RiversJohn O’ReillyJane OlmstedKim and Dave Paddison-Herr
Anne PanellaGail PetersonPetfinderPetSmart CharitiesStephanie PewittNancy PiattTerry PogueClaire B.M. ProffittMelanie and Art RabeauSue RecherJoyce RedosMr. and Mrs. William T. Reed, IIIHon. Jean RoesserConnie and Ronald RoosOlivia RosnerTed RosnerValerie and Jim RossMargaret J. SafritKathy SchonelyPhyllis SeidelsonDottie ShapiroThomas E. SheppardLinda SillinBarbara T. SmithSharron and Emily SnappSpectrum Printing & GraphicsVeronique SriquiKaren Myers StakesTim StelloJudy StoneMr. and Mrs. John A. StoneThe Surrey – Cissy Grant,
Gaines Hurdle and Martha Lauve
Steven TaylorAnn Maire ThompsonMr. and Mrs. Willliam A. ToellerKathleen TreatJacobus J. Van DopZea and Rob Van TassellTurtle Shell Quilts –
Heide BenderTPC Potomac at Avenel FarmLori VeirsMary Louise VierbeckAnn VirtsDiana VoorthuisDr. Petros VoskerchianGeraden WardWashington Humane SocietyBillie WebsterMarion WebsterAnni WilliamsCharlie WilsonWPG Solutions, Inc.
“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” –Helen Keller
www.fmca.org Spring 2012 7
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT(continued from page 2)
diseases. Animal hoarding places a tremendous strain onlocal law enforcement personnel and already overbur-dened animal shelters. They also give legitimate animalrescue groups a “bad name.”
Animal hoarding is difficult to prosecute for a variety ofreasons. Animal abuse cases are assigned a relatively lowpriority. Many do not know how severe the abuse can bein hoarding cases. The high cost of caring for the rescuedanimals is a huge disincentive to prosecuting hoardingcases. In addition, few states have statuary languagespecifically addressing animal hoarding and the minimalcare standards of the criminal anti-cruelty laws should bestrengthened. A pathway for civil options would reducethe burden on local prosecutors. Hoarders must berequired to undergo psychological evaluation and treat-ment, allowed only two pets, and be monitored during alengthy probation period.
You may be asking what you can do to stop thiswidespread animal abuse. First, educate yourself and others concerning the seriousness of the animal crueltyinvolved and the “tell-tale” signs of an animal hoarder:Does the person’s home have a noxious odor and toomany pets? Does a local rescue group seem unwilling toadopt out its animals, have regular adoption events, workwith other shelters and share the names of participatingveterinarians? You could enlist the help of relatives andfriends of the suspect or convince the hoarder to accepthelp. Contacting local social services including a mentalhealth agency is another option. You must report the sit-uation to your local humane society, animal controldepartment and police.
The most compelling aspect of this egregious form ofanimal cruelty is that it often lasts for the entire life of theanimal. That fact alone would prompt me to reportsuspected animal hoarding.
4 Animal Hoarding is Not About the Number of Animals People Own.http://www.animalhoardingproject.com/animalhoarder.thml
If You Find A Baby AnimalMarion Webster
Spring is just around the corner. This is the time whenyou may come upon baby birds, rabbits, squirrels andother infants of various species.
Most importantly, DO NOT try to raise them yourself.There are considerations other than the law that restrictskeeping and releasing wild animals. An important fact isthat wild animals and birds often require special diets orcare.
Handle wild animals only to the extentneeded to save their lives. If a baby animal appears to be stranded do notassume that it has been abandoned.Some parents leave their offspringduring the day. For instance, a motherrabbit will leave her babies a day at a time beforereturning to nurse. Unfortunately, sometimes this is thetime when a cat may discover the nest. I have had thisexperience with my own cats. However, if the mother has
been killed, if the baby, or babies is injured,weak, or is in danger from local cats or
dogs it will need your help.Fledgling birds spend a week or two on
the ground before they learn to fly. This iswhen I keep a sharp eye on my own cats
and dog. Cats and dogs must be kept away.If necessary, you may have to move a babybird to a safer place.
If you have determined that a baby needs your help,keep it in a warm draft-free place. Nestle it amongst softtowels or flannel. A chilled infant should be warmed slow-ly and gradually. Use a hanging light bulb, hot water bot-tle, or heating pad AT THE LOWEST SETTING. Make surethat the infant can move away from the heat source andthat it is mobile enough to move away. OVER HEATINGCAN KILL A YOUNG ANIMAL.
Immediately call Second Chance Wildlife, 301-926-9453. They are professionals and will provide the bestchance for the animal. You can also contact MontgomeryCounty Animal Control at 240-459-2109 or the animalcontrol organization in your area.
Kathy Milani/The HSUS
Mark Your Calendars!Potomac’s TPC at Avenel will be the site for
FMCA’s annual fall luncheon with boutiques! Markyour calendars for Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at10:00 a.m. We hope you will come and fill your tablewith friends & family! The boutiques will be biggerthan ever for your shopping pleasure. All vendorsdonate 20% of their proceeds to FMCA so, the moreyou shop, the more the animals benefit! Now, that’sthe cat’s meow! See you there!
Friends of Montgomery County Animals, Inc.14211 Dufief Mill RoadGaithersburg, MD 20878301-977-4833
RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED
Animal carriersAnti bacterial hand sanitizer (pump containers)
Cage covers and pads for our open house events
Cat food – dry and cannedCat or dog beds (washable)Crocheted/knitted blankets to send home with adopted cats
Dog food – dry and cannedFeliway collars, diffusers and refillsFirst class postage stamps for monthly mailings
Fold down (collapsible) cages to house cats duringadoption events
Gift cards from PetSmart or PetcoGrooming items (brushes, combs, nail clippers) – noslicker brushes please
Homemade cat toys (knots, mice, fish, etc. – nothingwith string)
Humane traps (Tomahawk) for Trap-Neuter-Return
Kong dog toys
Litter (scoop or clay)
Litter boxes (all sizes) and litter scoops
Monetary Donations – checks should be madepayable to Friends ofMontgomery CountyAnimals, Inc.
