Answer:
Stealthy as a shadow in the dead of night, cunning but affectionate if given a bite. Never owned but often loved. At my sport considered cruel, but that's because you never know me at all.
The ones in the sea are prickly, but the ones on the street might pickpocket you.
These animals hang out in the mist.
It is probably the most laidยญ-back member of the animal kingdom.
When they are caught, they are thrown away. When they escape, you itch all day.
If itโs information you seek, come and see me. If itโs pairs of letters you need, I have consecutively three. What am I?