I think too many are when you can't give them good food, a clean bed, individual love and care, have not thought or made arrangements for their care when you are not capable or not here anymore. An animal is not owned by you, they are in your care, you are the guardians.
Chuck I don't believe that it is typically a 50 or 60 year old woman that would have many animals that she can't care for. I believe it is a person who is mentally ill, no matter the age or male-female, probably for company, for love, I don't think it is a case of animal hoarding. I think it is a person who is alone, most likely no family and the animals become her-his family out of control.
Jackie