What does "abandon" refer to in the context of animal custody?

In the context of animal custody, "abandon" specifically refers to the act of leaving an animal without making any care arrangements for it. This definition emphasizes the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their animal is cared for, and abandoning an animal implies that the owner has left it without any provisions for its needs. Such an act can result in the animal being left to fend for itself, which poses significant risks to its health and safety.

The other options do not encapsulate the concept of abandonment correctly. A short-term release of an animal indicates that the owner retains some connection and responsibility, while neglecting to feed an animal suggests a failure to care for it but does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned. Additionally, giving an animal to another person involves transferring ownership and care responsibilities rather than leaving the animal without care. Understanding abandonment in this way highlights the legal and ethical expectations surrounding pet ownership.