As Pet Thefts Rise, New York Adds Penalties for Thievery

Anyone who attempts to steal, harm or transport a dog, cat or other pet that isn't theirs will now be subject to much bigger fines from law enforcement. 

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation yesterday to raise the penalty to $1,000 from $200. 

“For many New Yorkers, a pet can be an extension of their family – which is why pet theft is a particularly heartless offense,” Cuomo said in a written statement. “Increasing the penalties for stealing or harming dogs, cats and other animals is an important way that we can crack down on this crime, and I thank the bill’s sponsors for their work on this issue.” 

A stronger law against pet theft is a good idea, said Kristina Snyder, whose retriever puppy Mya went missing at the Montrose Firemen's Parade in June.

"Though people may not see it from this point of view, you are essentially stealing a member of someones family," Snyder said. "Whether they have hands or paws, it matters not. They are still part of the family."

But she's worried—frankly—about herself. She's pretty sure that someone stole Mya.

"For people who are in my situation I don't know if I would want the penalty increased," she said. "It worries me that if whomever has my babygirl has been thinking about returning her, sees that the penalty has increased, they will either find some way to keep her hidden or in the worst possible situation they may end her life.

"I am offering Mya's kidnapper a reward to bring her back. That sucks, to offer someone who took something so dear to you money for doing so, but what else can a person do when they are pushed this far?" 

Maybe the higher penalties will deter people from stealing others' pets—but if a person has gotten away with it before, or thinks they can get away with it now, it won't stop them, she predicted. 

The American Kennel Club reports that there were more than 590 thefts of pets in 2013, New York officials said. The penalties, which it claims represents a 31% increase over the number of thefts in 2012. By increasing the maximum fine, this bill aims to deter pet theft. 

The new maximum penalty will be applied against those that remove a collar or identification, entice, seize or harass a pet while it is being held, led or while properly muzzled, or transporting an animal for the purpose of killing or selling it. The fine has not been increased since 1970, when the penalties were raised to the current maximum of $200 and/or 6 months imprisonment, state officials said.