1045 animals seized from home owner who lost job, was behind on mortgage and child support

The SPCA in Houston says it may have pulled off the largest animal rescue operations ever, with the seizure of 1,045 animals on Sept. 23 from a home in northwest Harris County, MyFoxHouston.com reports.

The raid picked up a pony, puppies, chickens, parakeets, ducks, gerbils and snakes.
"The conditions are horrific," said Meera Nandlal of the SPCA. "There's lots of trash. They're unsanitary."

The owner of the house says the animals were for his home business, which he started after he lost his truck-driving job. He sold them as pets at a flea market. He says the animals weren't neglected, but he's due in court next week to tell it to the judge.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_lifestyle_animal/2009/09/1045-animals-seized-at-houstonarea-house.html

Man: I Was Selling 1,045 Animals Seized

Updated: Thursday, 24 Sep 2009, 5:57 PM CDT

HOUSTON - A Harris County man wants to apologize to his family and the public for an animal raid that has left him in the spotlight.

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More than 1,000 animals were seized, but Joe says the animals were for his business. He sold them as pets at a local flea market, a decision he made after losing his truck driving job.

"We all know the economy is tough I'm behind on my child support, I got behind on my mortgage, and I'm trying to fight it." Joe says.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/090924_animals_seized_folo

I mean, to have that many, he must have wanted to keep more than he was trying to sell.

Most hoarders do not sell the animals. They take them in and keep them because they feel like they are the only ones who can take care of them. They need to feel needed and loved and it is extremely stressful for them to part from the animals.

This sounds more like animal breeding for the purpose of making money. Although it is possible that some hoarding is involved it seems unlikely since his explanation revolved more around making money and less about love, companionship and concern for the animals.

and not restricted to just dogs.

But taking care of even 1/10th of that many animals requires a lot of room, probably near daily visits from a vet, and a *lot* of money, and more than one or two caretakers.

I can't imagine that it was a profitable business to be in, especially considering flea markets (instead of pet stores) as your outlet.

The whole thing stinks (probably as much as his house and property stunk).

1045 ponies take up a lot of space.

1045 gerbils and snakes, not so much.

it is an illness, it is true.

This is sad for the animals, and for the man, too. He's gotta have major issues...

Some lawyer will claim he did.