http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/headlines/667405.cfm

They studied object hoarders but animal hoarders also make very strange
choices and avoid making choices. For example, when unable to provide
sufficient care at home or unable to provide vet care or even both,
many animal hoarders say that they would rather have the animals die
than go to a different loving home or shelter where care would be
provided, and their explanation tends to be that they are sure that
leaving them would be the worst possible thing for the animals. Having
the animals die avoids having to choose. So, this study may also apply
to animal hoarders.

[Posted in FML 7511]