Michigan Vet Jailed Over Homeless Man’s Dog

This story is a bit of a mess and has people split right down the middle.

What Happened Between This Michigan Vet and the Dog’s Owner?

A Michigan vet is headed to jail after refusing to return a dog to a homeless man, claiming the dog was in rough shape and needed medical attention. Basically, the vet stole the dog, but in her defense, she had good intentions.

Amanda Hergenreder was in Grand Rapids for a conference last year when she spotted a 16-year-old pit bull mix tied to a truck outside a coffee shop. Seeing what she described as obvious signs of neglect, she took the dog back to her clinic in Millington and treated him for a severe urinary tract infection and a decaying tooth.

The problem is that the dog already had an owner.

Chris Hamilton, who was homeless at the time, wanted his dog Vinnie back. The vet refused, saying it was her ethical duty and that the dog wasn’t being properly cared for. Prosecutors saw it differently, charged her with misdemeanor larceny, and a jury found her guilty after a two-day trial

Get our free mobile app

According to ABC News, a Grand Rapids judge ended up sentencing her to 10 days in jail and made her pay $1,000 in restitution, instead of going with community service.

In court, Hergenreder admitted she didn’t fully consider the bond between Hamilton and the dog and said she should’ve slowed down and asked more questions before stepping in.

The dog was ultimately euthanized earlier this year due to complications from old age.

She clearly thought she was doing the right thing, but the law didn’t see it that way. Just a tough call all around.

Dogs + Fall Outfits = Pure Joy

Who doesn't love "crunching" through fallen leaves? These perfectly dressed pups are ready for their autumn adventures, whether it's chasing falling leaves at the park or embracing hygge. Check out their flannels and 'fits and be prepared to smile as big as a jack-o-lantern!

Gallery Credit: Jaime Skelton

Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:

Gallery Credit: Linda Lombardi

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh