Date of Conferral

8-1-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jessica Millimen

Abstract

This research explored animal hoarding in Iowa using the qualitative method with the resource dependency theory and a case study approach. These cases were studied using multiple sources of information, from media reports in initial locating cases to court documents, to examine the results of each case. It examined how different sized law enforcement agencies’ investigations into these cases impacted the outcomes of the cases in sentencing and the use of mental health evaluations and treatments. It also explored the efficacy of how different sized law enforcement agencies investigated animal hoarding cases. The law enforcement agencies were divided into two categories: large (20 or more sworn officers) and small (fewer than 20 sworn officers). Thirty-four cases that took place from 2017 to 2023 were used in the collection of the data for the study. The study found that animal hoarding incidents took place in both rural and urban areas of the state at approximately the same rate. There was a slight difference in the period from the initial investigation to the outcome for these cases when looking at the large and small law enforcement agencies, with the larger agencies having a shorter time from initial investigation to conviction. Mental health evaluations have limitations in Iowa, as the courts only have the authority to use this tool after the conviction of an individual and then only if livestock are not involved. There was no significant difference in the use of mental health evaluations and treatment when a small or large law enforcement agency was the investigating agency.

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