Dec. 4 (UPI) -- There are many persuasive reasons to love animals: they can be cute, cuddly and occasionally even hilarious. But sometimes even the most precious pets and winsome wildlife can find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

The UPI Odd News headlines are filled with stories of animals expanding their families, engaging in heartwarming reunions, surviving treacherous situations and occasionally even saving lives.

There is a darker side to the animal kingdom, however, and even the cutest of creatures can sometimes turn to crime out of desperation, curiosity, misguided notions or just plain boredom.

Here are five times animals made the Odd News headlines for all the wrong reasons:

Feline food tampering