Could someone please explain the rationale behind animal hoarding? In August, animal control seized almost 400 animals (mostly dogs and cats) from a 3 acre residence in a nearby town. The family who had the animals are being charged with 9 counts of felony animal cruelty. I realize every circumstance is different, but is there is some psychological reasoning behind doing something like this? (The woman was quoted as saying that the animals were in poor condition when she took them in and she was just trying to help them.) This situation prompted Operation Noah's Ark, with numerous organizations and individuals pitching in to help care for and find homes for these animals.