An American vet, Amanda Hergenreder, has been sentenced to ten days in prison for keeping a dog belonging to a homeless man. The incident dates back to November 2024. Whilst attending a professional conference in Grand Rapids, in the United States, she discovered a 16-year-old Pitbull tied to a hire lorry. Concerned about the animal's condition, she took him to her clinic, which was two hours away. There, he was treated for a severe urinary infection and a rotten tooth.
The vet then refused to return the dog to its owner, Chris Hamilton. She believed she was acting according to her ethical duty and noted that the animal wasn't registered. She had even renamed him Biggby, convinced that he was "thriving" under her care. But after several refusals to return him, prosecutors brought charges.
Ten days in prison for theft
In September, a jury found her guilty of theft, a misdemeanour punishable by up to 93 days in prison. The judge ultimately sentenced Hergenreder to ten days in custody and $1,000 in compensation. The defence had asked for her to carry out community service instead, arguing that the vet had acted in the dog's best interests.
During the hearing, Amanda Hergenreder admitted that she had "failed to see the full picture" and apologised. She explained that she hadn't understood the importance of the bond between Vinnie—the dog's original name—and his owner.
The owner's perspective
Chris Hamilton had told a local news channel that he had simply tied the dog up for a few minutes whilst he went to a petrol station. He had lived with Vinnie for 15 years and insisted he had never neglected him. The animal has since died, having spent his final months with the vet.
According to his lawyer, whilst the court's decision is disappointing, he believes the dog ended his life in "a warm and safe environment".
Amanda Hergenreder will serve her sentence and will have to pay the sum imposed by the court.
