There are people whose love for animals leads them to have several pets. However, there is a difference between having three dogs, two cats and a fish and having a house full of fauna with almost no record of how many dogs and kitties roam freely around the house. This difference is the Noah syndrome.
Noah syndrome is a mental disorder in which a person accumulates a large number of animals at home, mainly dogs and cats. Although the person hides behind the fact that they do it to ensure the well-being of these animals, the truth is that they are usually in very poor condition. Generally, this excess of pets means that they are not provided with the care, sanitary and hygienic attention that they really need.
Consequently, the animals suffer from being poorly cared for and living in a poor environment. In addition, Noah's syndrome is harmful both for the person who suffers from it and for their cohabitants and neighbors. Since the accumulation of poorly cared for animals and an environment with a lack of hygiene causes a proliferation of dirt, infections, bad odors, rodent and parasite pests and even the risk of zoonotic diseases (which are transmitted from animals to people).
First of all, you should try to talk to the person with understanding and empathy, with kindness. Introduce yourself so that he feels you are offering your help, without judging or criticizing, as this could make the situation worse.
Likewise, you must contact the authorities, either call the Social Services, the Police or the Civil Guard, to inform them of the situation of the animals and that they intervene as appropriate. In this sense, it can also be helpful to contact an animal protector who is involved in the process, as well as a psychologist who can provide support to the person with Noah syndrome.
