A Michigan veterinarian faces criminal charges after intervening in what she called a rescue of an ailing dog owned by homeless Grand Rapids man Chris Hamilton. Amanda Hergenreder, charged with misdemeanor larceny, asserts she saved 16-year-old pit bull mix Biggby from neglect, while prosecutors argue this constitutes unlawful seizure of property.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker emphasized the case’s simplicity:
You don’t have a right to take something because you feel something’s wrong. This dog holds immense emotional value, regardless of the owner’s socioeconomic status.Hamilton, 57, claims he temporarily tied his dog Vinny (now called Biggby) outside a Biggby Coffee shop while running errands in November 2023.
Hergenreder’s defense hinges on the dog’s health crisis. Medical procedures she performed include:
- Urinary tract infection treatment
- Surgical removal of a decayed tooth
- Hydration and nutritional support
Hamilton’s attorney counters that licensing technicalities shouldn’t negate 15 years of companionship.
I felt like I lost part of my body,Hamilton told local media, describing Vinny as his sole emotional anchor during homelessness.
Legal experts note this animal custody battle highlights tensions between veterinary ethics and property rights. Michigan’s laws classify pets as personal property, complicating intervention cases even amid welfare concerns. A 2022 University of Michigan study found only 14 states explicitly empower vets to withhold animals deemed abused.
Hergenreder’s trial, set for March 6, could set precedents for Good Samaritan protections in animal rescue scenarios. Her legal team argues returning Biggby to transient conditions risks relapse, while prosecutors stress lawful ownership must prevail absent formal neglect charges.