Which term describes the state of care and control of an animal subject to a person's care and control, regardless of ownership?

• A. Ownership
• B. Custody
• C. Possession
• D. Care

Answer: (B)

Custody means who has the responsibility for an animal's care and the authority to control it, regardless of who owns it. It captures both the day-to-day welfare duties (feeding, shelter, supervision) and the actual control over the animal, even if someone else holds the ownership title. Ownership is about legal title, not necessarily who is caring for the animal. Possession refers to having the animal in your physical control, but it doesn't always imply the duty of care or formal responsibility. Care describes the welfare needs themselves, not the legal state of control. Since the question focuses on care and control by a person irrespective of ownership, custody best fits that meaning and the associated responsibilities.