Dognappings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of unlawfully taking or stealing a dog, typically with the intent to sell or hold for ransom
2. A criminal offense characterized by the abduction of a pet dog, often leading to distress for the owner
3. An illegal activity that involves the removal of a canine companion from its rightful owner, often for financial gain

Etymology: "Dognappings" is simply the plural of "dognapping," a noun formed by blending "dog" with "kidnapping." The blend pairs the animal with the crime, so the result reads as the theft of a dog on the model of the abduction of a person. Because it is a plural, it refers to multiple instances of that act.

Synonyms: dog thefts, pet thefts