The findings of a research project led by the German Animal Welfare Federation show that animal hoarding is significantly more common than previously thought. In 2023, 343 cases were reported nationwide – statistically, almost one every day. On average, 47.5 animals were affected per case. This provides the first reliable nationwide figures on the extent of ‘animal hoarding’ in Germany. The interdisciplinary research project was carried out by the German Animal Welfare Association in collaboration with the Federal Association of Civil Servant Vets, the Human-Animal Relationship Research Group at Dresden University of Technology and the TierSucht association.
“The research project highlights the true scale of animal hoarding and shows that we must tackle the problem at its root. Even though the seizure of the animals puts an end to acute animal suffering, the cycle starts all over again if those affected do not receive appropriate support. This is precisely why we now need a shift in thinking in both policy and practice,” says Nina Brakebusch, head of the research project at the German Animal Welfare Federation.
Eighty-one per cent of all veterinary offices in Germany took part in the survey. The results show that 343 cases were reported nationwide in 2023 – statistically, almost one every day. On average, 47.5 animals were affected per case. Three-quarters of the hoarders were already known to the authorities, over a quarter of whom were known from previous cases of animal hoarding.
Tackling animal suffering and human suffering together
This is where the second part of the research project comes in: Interviews with hoarders will be conducted to investigate psychological and biographical causes. The aim is to develop preventive measures and guidelines for veterinary authorities, social workers and other relevant professional groups. The interdisciplinary project is primarily funded by the German Animal Welfare Federation Foundation and the ProNature Foundation, and is unique worldwide in this form.
Animal hoarding report confirms rising trend
The fact that animal hoarding remains a serious animal welfare problem is also demonstrated by the German Animal Welfare Federation’s recently published annual report: for the year 2025, the association documented 150 cases involving at least 13,275 affected animals – a significant increase in the number of animals compared with the previous year. “Our previous analyses have shown a rising trend for years. The research project now confirms that we must assume there is a significant number of unreported cases,” said Brakebusch.
Note to editors:
The results of Germany’s first research project on animal hoarding can be found here: Part 1 and Part 2. The 2025 annual report is available here as the “Animal Hoarding Report 2025”.
