Humane Society Hosts Talk on Animal Hoarding
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society will host Randy Frost, a professor of psychology at Smith College, who will discuss the psychology of animal hoarding on Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 4.
Animal hoarding occurs in communities across the country and poses multiple challenges for animal welfare, law enforcement, social service, and mental health professionals. Although "hoarded" animals often live and die in filthy surroundings, without food, water, or veterinary care, their owners believe they are saving them. Unfortunately, research on animal hoarding, including onset, prevention, and intervention, is limited.
Frost has done extensive research and writing on this topic. Copies of his book, "Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things," co-authored with Gail Steketee, will also be on sale.
The talk is part of the society's Coffee Hour Speaking Series and will be held at its 214 Barker Road facility in the Family Dog School's training center off the lower parking lot.
Reservations are not required but to save a seat and be eligible for a raffle at the end of the afternoon, call 413-447-7878, Ext. 128, or go to BerkshireHumane.org/coffee-hour-registration/. All events in the series are free and supported by the Chervenak-Nunnalle Foundation Inc. Refreshments will be available.