1. a person who steals a pet animal, typically a dog or cat, often for ransom or resale
Usage: informal; usually singular or plural form 'petnappers'

Examples

• The petnapper was caught after stealing three dogs from the neighborhood.
• Police warned residents to be cautious of petnappers operating in the area.
• She hired a security guard to protect her expensive poodle from petnappers.
• The petnapper demanded a ransom for the return of the missing golden retriever.
• Local news reported on a ring of petnappers targeting purebred cats.