Penalties for Stealing Pets in Fort Myers

Pet ownership is rising in the United States, and more people these days want an animal to call their own. The only issue is that sometimes acquiring a pet can get a little expensive. What happens if you simply steal an animal? What kinds of consequences could you face? Is this the same as stealing an inanimate object, such as a television or couch? You might want to discuss these questions alongside an experienced defense attorney in Fort Myers.

Suspect Steals Puppy in Fort Myers 

In October of 2024, police in Fort Myers announced that they were searching for a puppy thief. This individual allegedly entered a pet store and took the small animal before concealing it under his hoodie. There were few leads to go on, and the man managed to leave before anyone really noticed what had happened. This incident highlights how common “dognapping” is in Florida.

Theft Penalties Are Based on Monetary Values 

Generally speaking, theft penalties are based on the value of the stolen property. You should know that pets can be extremely expensive, particularly in the case of rare or sought-after breeds. Prices exceeding $10,000 are not unheard of, especially if the puppy comes from a reputable breeder.

If you were to steal a puppy worth more than $750 on the open market, you would face charges of grand theft. This is a third-degree felony with a maximum prison sentence of five years. Note that most pets from private pet stores would likely fall into this category, even if they are not of a particularly rare or sought-after breed.

You Might Also Face Charges for Animal Abuse 

It is also possible to face charges for animal abuse in connection with the theft. For example, you might have transported the animal in an unsafe manner while trying to flee from a pet store. Perhaps you struggled to care for the animal effectively while attempting to find a buyer on the black market.

Florida is very strict when it comes to animal abuse. During Hurricane Helene, an animal was left chained to a fence. Although the dog was saved, the owner was identified and charged with animal cruelty. People are extremely sensitive about the treatment of animals, and a jury is unlikely to look kindly upon these incidents. A defense attorney can help you prove that even though you might have stolen the animal, you did not abuse or neglect it while it was under your care.

Can a Fort Myers Defense Attorney Help With Theft Charges? 

A Fort Myers defense attorney may be able to help those accused of theft. This is true whether the accusations involve pets, objects, cash, or any other property. Although the consequences for stealing pets can be substantially high in Fort Myers, you still have rights as a defendant. Reach out to The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today to get started with a defense strategy.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0812/Sections/0812.014.html

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0800-0899/0828/Sections/0828.12.html