What distinguishes a theft as a Class H Felony?

A theft is classified as a Class H felony primarily due to the nature of the property involved or the circumstances surrounding the theft. In Wisconsin, the theft of a domestic animal is specifically addressed in the statutes, and such a theft is considered more serious than other types of theft because it often involves personal relationships or the welfare of living beings.

The classification of a theft likely reflects the state's concern for domestic animals, which are often seen as companions or family members. Given this context, the law recognizes that theft of a domestic animal can have significant emotional and financial repercussions for the owner and is thus treated with higher severity.

Other types of theft, while they may still be illegal, are often classified differently based on various factors, including the value of the stolen items or the context of the theft (for example, thefts that qualify as misdemeanors might involve household items or lesser value). Vehicle theft is generally categorized under different statutes, often leading to more serious charges than Class H felonies as well. Hence, theft involving a domestic animal stands out distinctively under Wisconsin law, characterizing it as a Class H felony.