Did you know that only fifteen states have stolen dogs laws? In researching information for my third book, I found some really interesting information around 'dognapping'. Kidnapping a person is a severe criminal offense, but the law doesn't see it the same way with kidnapped dogs.
As of 2023, these fifteen states have theft of dogs in their criminal codes:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Texas
- Washington
- West Virginia
While most states consider the theft of a pet a misdemeanor, penalties in these states include relatively small fines and little to no jail time. There are five states that have the best laws regarding dog laws.
- Virginia has a Class 5 Felony punishable by up to 10 years in jail regardless of the dog's value.
- Louisiana law states if the dog's value exceeds $500, it can result in jail time of up to 10 years or a fine of up to $3,000 (or both). If the dog's value is less, a fine and imprisonment can still be imposed but less.
- Oklahoma has a felony conviction with imprisonment in the state jail of not less than six months or up to three years. The sentence can also impose a fine equal to three times the value of the dog, with a maximum of $500,000.
- New York has a Class E Felony with up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000 (up from $200 in 2014).
- Mississippi has a felony conviction punishable by a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months, or both.
According to caninejournal.com, an estimated two million domestic animals are victims of dog theft each year in the United States and only 10% of owners recover their dogs. The majority of breeds taken are purebreds such as German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and American Pit Bull Terrier's.
Money is the driving force behind stealing dogs. Dog flippers are people who realize the high monetary value of specific breads and can resell them for a profit. Thieves will steal these breeds for sometimes more than $2,000 of their resale value, with the exception of Pit Bulls, which are typically taken for illegal fighting.
There are ways you can protect your dog. Proof of ownership (licensing documents, adoption papers, veterinarian records, identifying photographs, etc.), keeping tags updated, having your dog micro-chipped, and buying pet insurance (if available) are all viable ways. Some people may not know that some pet insurance policies cover some costs that are associated with stolen pets. Figo has an Extra Care Pack add-on (for an extra fee) that includes advertising, a reward and $150 toward the loss of your pet. Fetch offers it as additional coverage will all policies of a $15,000 annual limit or more. It includes advertising costs, a reward for stolen or lost pets, and reimbursement for what you paid for your pet if they're stolen or get lost.
What do you do if someone steals your dog (or if you lost your dog)? First, file a police report, although it will probably be a low priority. Don't stop there, though. Post your dog's microchip number, canvas the area and don't be afraid to recruit help! Distribute flyers, search for sale ads, contact your local animal shelters, and contact the media. All of these are ways you can recover your dog, regardless of whether stolen or lost.
Curious what the most expensive breeds are? Here are the top ten:
#10 - The Akita is a Japanese dog breed of large size. They were used for guarding and the hunting of bears. These dogs can be worth between $1,000 and $4,000.
#9 - The Saluki breed are powerful sight hound hunters who must be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard. They can be worth between $2,000 and $4,000.
#8 - Rottweilers are domestic dogs, which can be worth between $2,000 and $7,000. Their main use was to herd livestock, but they are also known to be used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs.
#7 - Pharaoh Hounds are hunting dogs with a willingness to please and are easy to train. They can be worth between $2,500 and $6,000. The Pharaoh Hound is easy to lure.
#6 - The Chow Chow is a spitz-type of dog breed that originally hails from Northern China. They're known for their very dense double coat that is not smooth or rough. They can be worth between $3,000 and $8,000.
#5 - The English Bulldog, also known as the British Bulldog, have large heads with thick folds of skin around face and shoulders with a flat face and protruding jaw. Bulldogs are generally friendly, amiable dogs and can be worth between $3,000 and $9,000. They are energetic, but may overheat quickly.
#4 - The Samoyed is a herding dog with thick, white, double-layer coats. They are spitz-type dogs which get their name from the Samoyedic people of Siberia. Domesticated, they assist in herding, hunting, protecting, and sled-pulling. They can be worth between $4,000 and $11,000.
#3 - The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British breed named after King Charles II and is generally a lap dog. They can be worth between $2,000 and $14,000.
#2 - German Shepherds, also known in Britain as Alsatian's are working dogs, originally bred as a herding dog for herding sheep. Since then, they're used in many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and rescue, police work, and warfare. They can be worth between $3,000 and $24,000.
#1 - The Tibetan Mastiff is a large size Tibetan dog breed and is prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping predators and intruders at bay. They are extremely independent and intelligent and can be worth between $2,000 and $1.9 million. Yes, 1.9 million dollars!!