Michigan Veterinarian Faces Larceny Charges Over Old Dog "Rescue"

This is a story about a dog named Biggby. It's also a tale about a dog named Vinny. It's one dog with names given to him by two different people, and therein lies the problem.

A Michigan veterinarian is facing larceny charges in Grand Rapids for performing what she considered an act of kindness to an elderly dog she saw tied to a truck. The dog's original owner, who is currently unhoused, wants his companion of 15 years back. Jury selection is scheduled for March 6, 2025, with the trial date as yet undetermined.

In addition to the misdemeanor larceny charges, the question of who gets Biggby/Vinny needs to be determined. Ownership rights and what's best for the animal will also likely be on trial.

How Much Is That Doggie Tied to the Truck?

In November 2024, Michigan veterinarian Amanda Hergenreder was in Grand Rapids for a professional conference. She spotted a pit bull mix tied to a truck outside a coffee shop. In her professional opinion, the elderly dog was distressed and required medical attention.

All involved agree that Hergenreder called the police and a local animal shelter in an attempt to find the dog's owner. She also spoke with an employee in the coffee shop. After having no success, she carried the dog to her van, describing him as "very lethargic" and having "no energy."

Taking the newly christened Biggby (named after the coffee shop he'd been found outside of) back to her practice in Millington, MI, Hergenreder removed a rotten tooth and began treatment on his severe urinary tract infection. She claims that in the four months she's had him, Biggby has recovered enough to start running and playing, saying she is starting to see "the light come back in his eyes."

That Sounds Great, but He's Mine

Chris Hamilton would like his dog back. Hamilton admits he tied Vinny to a truck while he walked to a gas station. When he returned 45 minutes later, all that remained was a cut rope. An employee in the coffee shop told him what had happened. So began the legal saga of Vinny/Biggby.

Hamilton, who is currently unhoused and living in the Grand Rapids area, says that he's had Vinny for 15 years, doesn't neglect him, and misses him terribly. He considers Vinny as stolen and wants his best friend back.

As a result, a Kent County prosecutor filed a simple larceny charge against Hergenreder. The misdemeanor carries a maximum of 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 or three times the value of the stolen property. While both Hamilton and Hergenreder may consider Vinny/Biggby priceless, he is probably not considered valuable property.

Kramer vs Kramer, the Canine Version

People fighting over custody of a beloved dog is nothing new, but the battle over who gets Vinny/Biggby is likely to set off a firestorm of debate over the letter of the law against the animal's welfare. With a strong claim as the dog's actual owner, Hamilton has the law on his side.

However, Vinny/Biggby didn't have a license when Hergenreder found him. He was also clearly in need of medical attention, something that is likely to be an ongoing concern in the remainder of the 16-year-old dog's life. Given that Grand Rapids averages six feet of snow a year, some may argue that leaving the dog with someone who doesn't currently have a home is cruel, especially a dog of Vinny's/Biggby's age. In addition, under state law dogs that have been abused or neglected can be taken away from their owner, although it isn't clear that Hamilton's treatment of his dog reached that level.

Unless some sort of sharing agreement can be reached, which is unlikely given the distance between Grand Rapids and Millington, someone is going to end up heartbroken with whatever decision is rendered.

Related Resources

• Dog Laws (FindLaw's Family Law)
• Michigan Dog Bite Laws (FindLaw's State Laws)
• Who Gets the Dog in a Divorce? (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)