The article, written by Lee Hyung-joo, highlights the alarming issue of animal hoarding in South Korea, where numerous incidents have been reported involving individuals neglecting large numbers of animals. For instance, last year, over 200 dogs were found in deplorable conditions at a house in Nowon-gu, leading to community complaints about noise and odor. Similar cases have emerged across the country, indicating a growing trend of animal hoarding, which is often misunderstood as mere misguided love for animals when, in fact, it reflects deeper socio-economic issues.

Lee references pioneering research on animal hoarding, defining it as a condition where individuals care for multiple animals without providing the necessary nutrition, hygiene, or veterinary care, leading to deteriorating conditions for both the animals and the community. Studies in the U.S. reveal that around 60% of animal hoarders do not recognize their problematic behavior, often stemming from unintended reproductive cycles among pets left unspayed or unneutered. This lack of awareness about the consequences of their actions is critical in understanding animal hoarding as a serious societal issue rather than simply a failure of compassion.

The article concludes with insights from sociologist Arnold Arluke, who argues that animal hoarding must be recognized as a complex social problem that impacts animal welfare, public health, and social services. Hoarding situations are commonly linked to public health risks, such as the spread of zoonotic diseases like fleas, ticks, tuberculosis, and salmonella, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes in how society addresses these issues. Without intervention, the cycle of hoarding and its associated problems is likely to continue.