A psychiatrist offered advice on dealing with animal-picking neighbors

Neighbors of pathological animal hoarders can turn for help to the management company (MC), and under a number of conditions in such cases, compulsory hospitalization for psychiatric care is possible. About it the doctor-psychiatrist of the Clinic of Dr. Isaev Sergey Tarasov told on Tuesday, November 19.

According to the specialist, interaction with mentally ill neighbors who suffer from pathological accumulation of animals (so-called zoohoarding, or Noah's syndrome), requires caution, tact and professional approach.

"This "peculiarity" of a person can not only poison the life of neighbors, but also pose a threat to the sanitary condition of the house, the health of the sick themselves and, of course, the animals," Tarasov told Lenta.Ru.

This disorder can manifest itself against the background of depression, loneliness, experienced traumas, as well as more global mental illnesses: schizophrenic spectrum, dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

"The person most often does not realize that his or her actions are harming both those around him or herself, as well as animals, who usually live in inappropriate conditions. <...> A person with this disorder is far from always listening to rational arguments, as he suffers from a distorted perception of reality," the psychiatrist explained.

He emphasized that when communicating with such a person, it is best to use a neutral and empathic tone.

"For example, you can start with soft conversations about animal welfare and sanitary conditions," the doctor added.

If, however, the problem has become so serious that it violates public order and sanitation standards, the issue should be raised at a residents' meeting or through contacting the management company.

The doctor added that sometimes such a person needs psychiatric help, but may refuse to receive it.

"This complicates the case, because without his consent, compulsory treatment is possible only in extreme cases, when he is a danger to himself or others," the specialist explained.

If, however, there is understanding and confidence that there is a real threat to his life and health, it is possible to contact the social care authorities, the police or the medical service. This will help assess the situation and, if there are grounds, take measures, including registration and assistance in organizing treatment.

In particularly difficult cases, Tarasov recommended consulting a lawyer.

Earlier, on November 11, it was reported that in the Far East bailiffs initiated enforcement proceedings against a woman who bred more than 65 cats of the American Curl breed in unsanitary conditions.

The breeder's business project was not a success: the housing accumulated garbage, cold and dampness, fleas and cockroaches. Because of this, the kittens were often sick and dying, and volunteers complained about the woman.

Unequal-hearted people bought almost all the animals from the lady and got her eviction, but the unscrupulous citizen refused to leave the apartment voluntarily.

In this regard, enforcement proceedings were initiated. The woman had to sell the remaining 10 kittens to volunteers and move out, writes "Moscow 24". She is currently banned from leaving Russia.