Definition of Dognapped?

Pet Detective’s Definition of DOGNAPPED

VERB:

DOGNAPPED is the unlawful abduction and or confinement of a dog for the purpose of inducing the owner or person having lawful control of the dog at the time it was taken to pay a ransom for the dog’s return.

Dognapping is not recognised as a crime in the UK and incidents of this nature will usually be charged as Blackmail contrary to Section 21 Theft Act 1968. However, for an offence of Blackmail to be committed the demand for a reward must be unreasonable and accompanied with menaces. (For example, a threat to hurt the dog unless a reward is paid)

Dognapped, is often misused when describing an incident where a dog is abducted and sold these incidents are now dealt with under The Pet Abduction Act 2024.

The term Dognapped should only be used to describe an incident of extortion where a dog has been taken and the person who has retained possession of the dog does so solely to induce another to pay a ransom for the dog’s return.

Colin Butcher

The Pet Detectives