Is Dognapping a Crime?

Dognapping is the crime of taking a dog from its owner. The word is derived from the term kidnapping. Historically in the United States, dogs had been stolen and sold on for medical research, but the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 reduced these occurrences.

What is the punishment for dognapping?

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. In some jurisdictions, such as Virginia, dognapping is considered a felony and can be punished by up to 10 years in jail.

Is dognapping a crime in California?

A person who feloniously steals, takes, or carries away a dog of another where the dog's value exceeds $950 is guilty of grand theft. If the value of the dog is less than $950, it is petty theft.