Hello A:

It IS. But, if you call the SPCA, they'll take the cat.

excon

Did you committ a crime while taking the cat? Did you go into someone's home and take the cat? If not, no it is not. However, that being said, next time you need to call Animal Control, or your local shelter and report that an animal is being neglected. They will take he animal from the person, and press charges.

Hello Edy:

You don't have to go into someone's house in order to steal their property... If the property in question is walking down the street, it's STILL someone's property.. The OP KNOWS it is, too, because he/she knows the cat is being abused by its owner.

excon

If the cat doesn't have a collar and license, then it may be considered a stray. However, even if it didn't and the owner can show you knew it was their cat, then its still theft.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Edy020

Did you committ a crime while taking the cat? Did you go into someone's home and take the cat? If not, no it is not. However, that being said, next time you need to call Animal Control, or your local shelter and report that an animal is being neglected. They will take he animal from the person, and press charges.

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Your legal advice is incorrect. If my dog is walking down the street you cannot grab it - that's against the law. It's called stealing.

You most definitely do not have to enter someone's home to be charged with theft.