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Originally Posted by Rachael1983  This is mental illness not just a case of animal cruelty. I can see why a judge would give probation so these people can get the help they need. Jail isn't going to help get to the root of the issue in cases like this. Its unfortunate for sure but let's not condemn those that are suffering. We've seen enough cases of hoarding to know that something isn't quite wired right. |
While I agree about hoarding being about the way the brain's miswired and believe in compassionate sentencing, I respectfully disagree about other statements. I do think jail time could help prevent a recurrence. Here's why:
I think we can all agree that hoarding the results in loss of life is different than more benign hoarding that merely results in overstuffed closets and 6-foot magazine piles. Unfortunately, in many states, dogs are still considered "property", like a car or boat. So loss of animal life is not seen the same as loss of human life under current law.
Judges tend to make decisions that are unlikely to be overturned on appeal, using precedent, the law, the background of the hoarders, other facts of the case, and their informed discretion. While it's not the decision I would have made, it's not an unreasonable one.
Even if the ruling was harsher, jails and prisons have psychiatric staff available to their inmates, so they would not be doing without needed /court-ordered services. Keep in mind that even in jail or prison, the hoarders' conditions would be significantly better than what those dogs lived with. (I volunteered in a prison for several years and am more familiar with conditions there than the general public.)