A Lewisham woman is one of the first people charged under a new “dognapping” law after she allegedly took a chihuahua. 

Shania Gower, 25, is alleged to have taken a chihuahua named Harry away from the lawful control of its owner in Canterbury on September 27. 

Gower appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Friday (November 8) but did not enter pleas. 

The offence of taking a dog so as to keep it from the person with lawful control, or "dognapping", became an offence when the Pet Abduction Act (2024) came into force in August. 

The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison 

Gower is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm on the same date. 

She was remanded on bail until June next year when she will face trial.