FNL - Hi again. I think you are correct about the mental condition, but I think it may be a variation of OCD. People make the mistake of thinking obsessives are just horrific hand-washers. It has really different manifestations. I know someone who claims to be claustrophobic and yet fills the space around them with so much cr@p they can barely navigate the space in which they live.
Hi, Frou!
You're probably right about the illness being some form of OCD. I know from what little I've read on the subject is that it seems to be somewhat poorly understood. As I said, the animal hoarders do tend to start off with seemingly good intentions (and they really believe they are doing something good), but then it just gets out of hand. It's unfortunate, but counseling and other treatment may help.