Puppy Stolen During An Afteroon Walk

An article appeared in last Saturday's Washington Post describing how an- 8-week-old pit bull puppy was snatched from his 13-year-old guardian during an afternoon walk. The two thieves were described as youths -- one between 10 -13 and the other 13-16. I read the article certain that the pup would never be seen again and, worse, that harm would come to the dog. I guess the press scared the perpetrators. The dog was found the next day -- thankfully, unharmed. Yet, the question remains, why would two kids be so brash as to STEAL a puppy? What was their intent? Some think it was a joke. I disagree. This was no joke. Stealing is always wrong. Stealing a living, breathing, creature is worse than wrong, but I haven't found the word yet for what they did.

When the dog-nappers are identified, what should be their punishment?