JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

Which of the following is a characteristic of an overwhelmed animal hoarder?

1. Deliberately collects animals for profit

2. Has an excessive number of pets due to inability to care

3. Uses animals for emotional support

4. Commits animal cruelty intentionally

The correct answer is: Has an excessive number of pets due to inability to care

An overwhelmed animal hoarder typically possesses the characteristic of having an excessive number of pets due to an inability to care for them properly. This situation often arises from a combination of emotional factors and a lack of resources, which leads to the individual accumulating a number of animals beyond what they can adequately provide for. These individuals may start with good intentions or a desire to help animals, but as their circumstances deteriorate, they become unable to manage the welfare of the growing number of pets, leading to neglect and inadequate living conditions. In contrast, those who deliberately collect animals for profit are often more involved in commercial operations rather than exhibiting the signs of a hoarder. Individuals utilizing animals solely for emotional support may not be accumulating them in excessive numbers, and those who intentionally commit acts of animal cruelty do so with a clear intention to harm, which does not align with the overwhelming, often unintentional aspect of hoarding behavior. Thus, the defining feature of an overwhelmed animal hoarder is indeed their excessive accumulation of animals due to care-related challenges.