With so many out-of-control hoarders claiming to be animal rescuers, "rescue" has become a buzzword to beware of—especially when combined with irresponsible "no-kill" promises. The strength of their compulsion also makes it vital that, when convicted, hoarders be stopped from possessing any animals in the future in order to break the cycle of abuse.

The latest reminder comes from Alabama, where Sharlotte Marie Adams, the operator of Animal Aid and Rescue Resources Inc., and her husband were arrested after a complaint was filed alleging misuse of funds and other donations to the "organization." When police searched the Adamses' home, site of the purported rescue, they reportedly discovered atrocious conditions. Andalusia Animal Shelter Director Christin Ball, whose staff is rehabilitating and housing some of the seized animals, said this about their condition:

They were all sick. There's one that we're not sure if he's going to make it or not. They've had no care whatsoever. It's sad. She claimed she'd taken them to the vet, but no one had.

Law-enforcement officials suspect that Adams exploited people's "generosity by using cash donations – solicited under the guise of treating sick animals – to pay for personal items such as electric bills and groceries for the family."

The couple was reportedly booked on charges of theft, endangering the welfare of a child, and cruelty to animals. But while police may have been shocked by what they found inside the house, PETA's investigations often reveal nightmarish conditions at many so-called "rescue" facilities, such as Caboodle Ranch and Sacred Vision. And, as in those cases, it will be critical to seek a prohibition on animal ownership as part of the penalty if the Adamses are convicted.

What You Can Do

If you learn of any hoarding case—whether posing as a rescue or not—please contact the prosecuting agency and/or attorney's office to ensure that any sentence or plea bargain include a clause forbidding the hoarder from owning or possessing animals.

For many of the cats who were rescued from the dungeon-like Sacred Vision Animal Sanctuary (SVAS) facility in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it may seem like a dream come true. Trading cramped, filthy cages for cuddling, the cats are settling into their comfy new forever homes after the Horry County Animal Care Center held successful cat adopt-a-thons over the last couple of weekends. Dozens of people attended the events at the special shelter set up for the cats. Adoption opportunities will continue through this week. 

Since being rescued from the hoarding facility last month following a PETA investigation, the cats have undergone veterinary treatment for illnesses including upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, gaping and infected wounds, and painful dental conditions. PETA has submitted extensive evidence to the Horry County Solicitor's Office based on its investigation and is urging the solicitor to file state-level cruelty-to-animals charges against SVAS owner and operator Elizabeth Owens. You can help! Please send a polite e-mail to Solicitor Greg Hembree asking him to move forward with new charges in the case.

After much TLC, the cats are healing nicely and many have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, and treated for fleas. The cats who are going up for adoption this week were not yet ready to attend the earlier adoption events, but they're now much healthier and ready for their own happily ever after. Thank you, Horry County, for getting these cats the help they need and deserve!

Written by Michelle Sherrow