Stealing a family's beloved pet and taking an animal away from its home is a serious offense, and the CA penal code should reflect this to discourage theft of pets.

According to the current California penal code, stealing a family pet is no different than stealing property. Even the "value" of the pet is considered. For example, if your dog is deemed less than $950 the crime is considered a petty theft, over $950 and it's a grand theft. Either way, the punishment does not take into consideration:

- the welfare of the pet as a sentient and loved part of a family

- the emotional and physical abuse of animal victims

- the emotional trauma of the human victim

- the rise in violent assuaults of pet owners.

State officials should begin tackling the rise in pet thefts by amending the penal code to reflect the severity of the crime.