1. a person who steals a pet animal, typically a dog or cat, often for ransom or resale
Usage: informal; sometimes used in news media and law enforcement contexts

Examples

• The petnapper was arrested after stealing three dogs from the neighborhood.
• Police warned residents to be cautious of petnappers operating in the area.
• The family paid a ransom to the petnapper to get their beloved dog back.
• Security cameras helped identify the petnapper who took the golden retriever.
• Animal welfare organizations have launched campaigns against petnappers.
• The petnapper targeted expensive purebred dogs for resale.