Hoarding - 9 cats, more rabbits seized
Millcreek, UT (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 9, 2009
County: Salt Lake

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: George Barron

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

George Barron, 69 was recently cited by Salt Lake County Animal, for having too many cats and rabbits in his home.

On Thursday, Barron called an animal advocacy group to help him. The Animal Advocacy Alliance of Utah convinced him to give up all but three of his animals. In exchange the group agreed to come to his home and help him clean it up. "When we got here this morning we had no idea what we were in for," says Anne Davis of the Alliance. "The stench can knock you on your back," she said. Davis said the stench came from cat feces, piled four inches high in some parts of the home.

The fire department was called in to do an air quality test, and found near dangerous levels of ammonia in the home. "The odor is pretty strong the," said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Sgt. John Barker. Baker said he was told the ammonia levels were so high, it was almost unsafe to be in the home.

Animal services removed 9 of the 12 cats, and some in the neighborhood say its time for Barron to get help. However, since Barron has not broken any laws, there is very little the state or police can do, especially if he is not interested in getting services.

"They have to right to determine what services they receive and what services they pass on," said Nels Holmgren, Director of The Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Holmgren said just because someone is getting older does not mean they relinquish any of their rights, "Nobody wants anyone storming into your home and telling you how to live your life," said Holmgren.

Holmgren says neighbors and family members are the best eyes and ears older Utahns have, "That's really our first line of defense friends neighbors family members people in the community," said Holmgren.

Case Updates

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