Table 2.

Fraser’s “practical” ethic principles applied to animal hoarding scenario.

Principle	Specific Considerations
Provide good lives for animals in our care	Whilst you have not been called to the property to attend to any animals, you have become aware that there are at least 20 dogs kept in poor conditions and suffering as a result. In most jurisdictions, veterinarians are required to provide immediate care (including first aid, timely referral or euthanasia) of animals that are suffering (for example, see the NSW Veterinary Practioner’s Code of Professional Conduct [38]). The animals require immediate veterinary attention which the Smiths are clearly not providing. The veterinarian must consider whether they offer to treat the animals and help the Smiths meet the welfare needs of the animals (and indeed whether the Smiths have the resources to do this) or whether to report the Smiths to local authorities for animal hoarding related offences. This may result in seizure and subsequent treatment or euthanasia of the dogs. In addition, it may involve prosecution of the Smiths for animal hoarding related offences. The current situation does not meet the welfare needs of the animals and shows a deficit in care which must be addressed.
Treat suffering with compassion	The suffering of the animals should be considered. In addition, it is likely that Mrs. Smith’s needs are not being met in the current situation where objects are also hoarded. Mr. and Mrs. Smith too may be suffering from psychological morbidity [39]. As such any communication with them should be sensitive, with involvement of healthcare professionals such as social workers and carers as soon as possible. While the animals are living in terrible conditions, the owners are too. Attending veterinarians should refrain from being judgmental, as they are most likely to be able to help both the animals and the Smiths if they can maintain a positive relationship.
Be mindful of unseen harm	Aside from the obvious concerns, potential unseen harms include but are not limited to: Spread of infectious diseases to humans and other animals [40,41], causing harm to humans and animals involved in the hoarding situation, as well as humans and animals in contact with these; Behavioural abnormalities [42], which may harm affected animals as well as any other humans or animals they are subsequently homed with. Recidivism rates for animal hoarding are high, so veterinarians should try to openly communicate with persons involved in animal hoarding. Recidivism in these cases will harm additional animals. Reduction in the Smiths’ trust of the veterinarian and the profession, especially in situations where the owner is reported to the authorities by a veterinarian. These owners may be less likely to seek veterinary care for their animals in the future. Failure to address the human aspect of the problem whilst addressing the animal aspect may be detrimental to the health of the Smiths [43] and may lead to recidivism and harm of more animals.
Protect the life-sustaining processes and balances of nature	Animal hoarding impacts the environment, for example by concentrating infectious agents in the environment, creation of pollution (particularly noxious odors such as ammonia), attracting vermin and insects and preventing access to utilities [37]. Local councils may become involved with clean-up of hoarding properties which otherwise impact humans, domestic animals and wildlife species living nearby.