What crime is it to steal a pet?

Criminal charges and penalties vary widely by state, even in those with specific criminal codes for dog theft. Most states consider pet theft a misdemeanor, and the penalties include relatively small fines and little to no jail time.

What is the penalty for stealing dogs?

Currently, pet theft falls under the Theft Act 1968 which considers a stolen pet to be a loss of property to its owners, with a maximum jail sentence of seven years.

Is stealing an animal a crime?

Animal theft is a crime, but unfortunately a common one. By some estimates, nearly 2 million companion animals are stolen every year in the United States. Be aware of the issue and your environment: Animals who are left unattended and unmonitored are more vulnerable to pet theft (and other abuses).

How illegal is it to steal a dog?

A dog is considered personal property, so stealing a dog does not give rise to a kidnapping claim. Instead, the crime is considered to be theft or grand theft. It may also be burglary if the dognapper broke into a structure to take the dog.

What if someone stole my dog?

Call the police and file a report. In most states, pets are considered property, and if your property has been stolen, the police can be an important line of defense in your pet’s recovery. Notify veterinary offices in your area that your pet was stolen and file a lost pet report with all local animal shelters, too.

Did someone steal my cat?

What should I do? Contact the authorities. A lot of police departments won’t want to respond to your complaint when you call to report a stolen cat. Remind the police that stealing a pet is theft and ask them to file a report.

Is it a crime to steal a dog?

A majority of states don’t even have specific stolen pet laws. Dogs, instead, are seen as personal property. That’s why pet theft most often falls under a state’s general theft and larceny laws. In these states, stealing a pet isn’t distinguished in any way from taking a tv, jewelry, or other possessions.

What happens if you are charged with dog theft in Mississippi?

If you’re found guilty of dog theft in Mississippi, it’s a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $ 500 or imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months (or both). How Do I Protect My Dog From Theft?

How are penalties for pet theft determined?

In these states, the penalties and sentencing for theft are usually determined based on the value of the property that has been stolen. And while pet owners don’t like it, pets are considered personal property under the law.

What happens when someone stole your pet?

When people have a pet, it’s usually just as important as any other member of the family. If someone steals a pet, the owners can be left feeling like a family member has been kidnapped, and will likely want to pursue as severe a punishment as possible for the animal thief.