A Michigan veterinarian was sentenced Monday to 10 days in jail and ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution after taking a dog from its homeless owner and refusing to return it.
Amanda Hergenreder, from Millington, was convicted of misdemeanor larceny for taking Vinnie, a 16-year-old pit bull mix she called Biggby, during a visit to Grand Rapids last year. She treated the dog for a severe urinary tract infection and removed a rotten tooth at her clinic, located two hours away.
Hergenreder’s attorney had asked the court for community service instead of jail, but Grand Rapids Judge Angela Ross said a short jail term was warranted.
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Speaking in court, Hergenreder acknowledged the impact of her actions: “I failed to honor the bond between Vinnie and Mr. Hamilton. I failed to recognize the heartbreak that would follow. I failed to stop, think, and ask questions.”
The dog’s owner, Chris Hamilton, had been experiencing homelessness at the time. Prosecutors said Hergenreder’s refusal to return the animal led to the criminal charges, despite her citing professional ethics and the dog’s lack of a license.
Vinnie was euthanized in July due to health issues related to old age. Hergenreder’s lawyer, Miles Greengard, said, “We take solace in the fact that Biggby/Vinnie spent his last few months in a warm, safe, loving, caring environment.”