Veterinarian Faces Theft Charge After Rescuing Dog from Homeless Owner
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan veterinarian is facing a theft charge after taking in a distressed dog tied to a truck and failing to return him to his homeless owner.
Amanda Hergenreder, who discovered the 16-year-old pit bull mix in November, said she was compelled to act after seeing the dog’s poor condition. She transported him two hours to her clinic, where she treated him for a severe urinary tract infection and a rotten tooth. She named him Biggby, and nearly four months later, she says he is thriving.
However, the Kent County prosecutor asserts that the dog belongs to Chris Hamilton, a 57-year-old man without a permanent home in the Grand Rapids area. Hamilton, who calls the dog Vinny, is heartbroken.
“I just want my dog back,” Hamilton told WOOD-TV. “I had him for 15 years. Never neglected him. We loved each other. I feel like I lost part of my body.”
Legal Battle Over Ownership
Prosecutor Chris Becker argues that Hergenreder’s actions amount to larceny, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail. Jury selection for the trial is set for March 6.
“You don’t have a right to just take something because you feel something’s wrong,” Becker said. “No matter where you are in life—rich, poor—people have a deep attachment to their animals.”
Hergenreder maintains she took Biggby out of concern for his health. She claims she contacted local police and an animal shelter before taking him.
“He had no energy, very lethargic,” she recalled. “We carried him to our vehicle. It was just very sad.”
Hamilton, however, says he only left Vinny tied outside while he went to a gas station. When he returned 45 minutes later, the dog was gone.
“Coffee shop employees told me, ‘Some lady in a van took your dog and snipped the rope,’” Hamilton said.
Moral Dilemma or Criminal Case?
Hergenreder’s attorney, Miles Greengard, is vigorously defending her, arguing that she acted in Biggby’s best interest.
“Mr. Hamilton didn’t even take the basic step of licensing the dog,” Greengard told The Associated Press. “Now he expects a benevolent doctor to provide Biggby the medical care he needs and then just give him back?”
Greengard acknowledges the complexity of the case but insists that the dog is better off now.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” he said. “But I’m glad Biggby is living his best life.”