Hand back the animal (3)
I believe the answer is:
rat
This clue might be a double definition.
'hand back' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'animal' is the second definition.
(rat is a kind of animal)
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rat that I've seen before include "one who betrayed" , "Treacherous person" , "Treacherous rodent" , "Tell-tale" , "Betray like a rodent" .)