Animal hoarding is a problem in every division of society around the world (Donaghey 2011). Whether rich or poor, there may still be an animal hoarder living right next door (Donaghey 2011). In some situations there may be obvious signs that a person is a hoarder; however, others live seemingly regular lives in the public eye and the problem is growing. Animal hoarding is a growing problem due to lack of understanding of the problem and lack of action. The general public does not understand animal hoarding. Many citizens do not realize that anyone can report abuse (Donaghey 2011). There are “…900 to 2,000 new cases [found] each year…of which a quarter of a million animals are victims” in the United States alone (Animal). If every hoarder has a neighbor on both sides, there are at least 4,000 witnesses to these crimes every year. One reason witnesses do not report cases is the unknown fact that the hoarded animals "range in species, from dogs and cats to reptiles, rodents, birds, exotics and even farm animals" (Animal). Hoarded animals show signs of abuse that witnesses can detect, such as heartworms, embedded collars, beaten, social problems, emaciated, or if they appear generally unhealthy (Donaghey 2011). The lack of awareness programs places great emphasis on animal hoarding. The Robinson Rescue is an organization that “educates pet owners about the importance of spay/neuter as a means to end pet overpopulation.” ( ). This organization shows children how they should think about animals so that they don't abuse their pets as in one case where defendants claimed "that pets are classified as personal property..." and that they have feelings too ( Donaghey 2011) (Gunnarson). Few people realize that 354 animals are euta...... middle of paper ......pair_flouted_ban;_Animals_found_in_wardrobe...-a0197686621>.Gunnarson, Helen W. "Animal Law Comes into Play: Since Americans place more value – monetary and otherwise – on pets, the importance of animal law is growing. Here's an Illinois-focused look at this emerging" The Free Library. 01 August 2007. 21 September 2011. place_more_value-...-a0167255452>. Arluke, Arnie; Frost, Randy; Luke, Carter; Messner, Edward; Nathanson, Jane; Patronek, Gary J.; Dad. “Health Implications of Animal Hoarding: Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium (HARC)” The Free Library. 01 May 2002. 21 September 2011._Animals_Research...-a087720543>.Donaghey, Jillian. Personal interview. October 20th 2011.