Veterinarian Faces Jail Time in Controversial Dog Custody Case
A Michigan veterinarian has been sentenced to 10 days in jail after being convicted of misdemeanour larceny for refusing to return a dog to its homeless owner. The case has sparked intense debate about animal welfare versus property rights.
The Incident That Sparked the Legal Battle
The controversy began when Amanda Hergenreder, a veterinarian from Millington, Michigan, attended a professional conference in Grand Rapids. She discovered a 16-year-old pit bull mix named Vinnie tied to a truck near a coffee shop. Concerned about the dog's condition, Hergenreder took the animal to her clinic two hours away.
At her veterinary practice, she diagnosed and treated a severe urinary tract infection and removed a rotten tooth. However, when the dog's owner, Chris Hamilton - a Grand Rapids man experiencing homelessness at the time - requested his pet's return, Hergenreder refused.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Prosecutors charged Hergenreder after her refusal to return Vinnie to Hamilton. During her two-day trial, the veterinarian cited her ethical duties and noted the dog wasn't licensed. Despite her defence, a jury convicted her of misdemeanour larceny.
At her sentencing hearing on Monday 24 November 2025, Hergenreder's lawyer, Miles Greengard, requested 120 hours of community service. However, Grand Rapids Judge Angela Ross determined jail time was more appropriate, sentencing her to 10 days in jail plus $1,000 in restitution.
A Complicated Ethical Dilemma
Before sentencing, Hergenreder expressed remorse, telling the judge she had seen a "dog in distress" but acknowledged she "failed to see the whole picture." She specifically mentioned: "I failed to honour the bond between Vinnie and Mr. Hamilton. I failed to recognise the heartbreak that would follow."
Tragically, Vinnie - whom Hergenreder had called Biggby - was euthanised in July due to age-related health problems. Defence attorney Greengard noted that while disappointed with the jail sentence, they took solace that "Biggby/Vinnie spent his last few months in a warm, safe, loving, caring environment."
The case highlights the complex intersection of animal welfare concerns, property rights, and the ethical responsibilities of veterinary professionals when dealing with pets belonging to vulnerable owners.
