What are the Penalties for Stealing an Animal in Virginia?

Generally charged as a felony, stealing animals in Virginia is a serious offense that can lead to both massive fines and jail time.

Your dog may seem like a friend or a member of your family. However, in Virginia, pets considered your property.

If someone decides to snatch your dog out of the yard, they’ll be charged with theft. The same goes for other stolen animals, such as stolen livestock.

Stolen animals are stolen property, and when found the thief will face legal consequences.

In this article, we’ll briefly explain the penalties for stealing an animal in Virginia.

Why are Animals Stolen?

stealing animals - tingen law, pllc

In most cases, animals are stolen purely for financial gain. In other words, the robber plans to re-sell the animal to a third party.

Dogs

There are several popular dog breeds that are often re-sold for a profit.

Small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and French Bulldogs are popular targets since they are small and easy to sell.

Also, larger dogs like Labrador and Golden Retrievers are often stolen because of their popularity and friendly nature.

Unfortunately, strong breeds like Pit Bulls are sometimes stolen as puppies to be used for breeding or to be trained as fighting dogs.

Here are some tips to keep your dog safe, especially if you have one of the most targeted breeds:

  • Don’t leave your dog in the yard while you’re gone. Your dog may seem secure in your fence, but if you’re not home, a thief has the perfect opportunity to slip in and take him.
  • Avoid tying your dog up in a public place, even if you’ll just be gone a few minutes.
  • Microchip your dog. A microchip is a small computer chip (about the size of a grain of rice) that is implanted underneath the dog’s skin. The chip contains the identification of the dog’s owner and is an invaluable tool for locating a lost or stolen dog.

Other Animals

Unless you’re a fox, the motivation for stealing chickens and other livestock is solely for their re-sale value. Chickens left in a coop and ponies left grazing in a field can be easy pickings for a thief.

Historically, thieves have gotten away with stealing more than a couple of chickens.

For example, thirty head of cattle waiting for auction in a populated Virginia stockyard were stolen in Roanoke in 2011.

In this case, the cattle thieves made off with $11,000 worth of Black Angus and Holstein cattle.

In 2013, an Ashland, Virginia petting zoo had over 30 animals stolen from its pens overnight.

The animals had value, but they were also beloved pets that had been enjoyed by thousands of visitors just that year.

Some zoos across the country have put in extra security measures for their most exotic and valuable animals to deter possible animal theft.

Whether the animals provide entertainment or sustenance, theft of livestock or zoo animals is treated as a serious matter in Virginia.

Punishment for Animal Theft

stealing animals - tingen law, pllc

As with most property, the punishment in Virginia for stolen animals mostly depends on the animal’s value.

Virginia Code § 18.2-97 states that larceny of any animal in Virginia will be classified as a felony.

What type of felony, however, depends on the cost of the animal itself.

Class 5 Felony

The theft of a dog, horse, mule, cow, steer, bull or calf is always treated as a Class 5 felony. This is because these animals are usually valued at over $500.

The punishment for a Class 5 felony can be anywhere from 12 months to 10 years in prison.

Class 6 felony

Larceny of poultry or other livestock worth less than $500 is a Class 6 felony. This usually includes pigs, sheep, lambs, and goats.

A Class 6 felony carries a punishment of between 12 months to 5 years in prison.

In addition, their crime will show up on background checks and will have to be listed on job applications.

What to do if your Animal is Stolen

stealing animals - tingen law, pllc

If you have your pet or livestock stolen, here are some steps you can take to find the thief and hopefully get your stolen animals back:

  1. Call the police. You’ll want to create a record of the details of the theft.
  2. Get the word out. Post flyers and call your local TV news station, newspaper, or radio station to report the missing animal.  The more people that are looking out for it, the better.
  3. Check shelters and rescue organizations. Sometimes a thief gets cold feet and decides to dump the animal and run.

What to do if you are Charged with Animal Theft

If, on the other hand, you have been charged with stealing an animal, the first and most important step is to get a lawyer.

Any time you are charged with a criminal offense, especially a felony, you’ll want an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you. 

You need advice and expertise that only an attorney can provide.

It is also important to protect yourself from false charges of animal theft. If you are buying an animal, make sure to document the transaction with a bill of sale or a receipt.

If you are transporting animals for another person, or even pet sitting, get a letter or document authorizing you to care for or transport the animals.

Taking simple precautions will help protect you against false accusations later on.

Conclusion

stealing animals - tingen law, pllc

Animal theft is sadly quite common in Virginia, but it should never be taken lightly. It is a serious crime and will always result in a Class 5 or Class 6 felony charge.

These charges must be taken seriously and dealt with immediately.

Always inform the police if your animal has been stolen, take precautions against false accusations, and consult a lawyer if you are charged with the theft of an animal.

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