Frankenmuth Veterinarian Charged With Stealing Homeless Man’s Dog

A veterinarian who has a practice near Frankenmuth is accused of stealing a homeless man's dog after she rescued it while visiting Grand Rapids.

Dr. Amanda Hergenreder has been charged with misdemeanor larceny under $200.

Michigan Veterinarian Rescues Dog

The incident dates back to November of last year. Hergenreder tells WOOD-TV that she was in Grand Rapids to attend a conference when she stopped to get coffee at Biggby Coffee.

The doctor spotted a dog tied to a U-Haul truck hitch near the business. She tells the TV station it was obvious that the dog was not well taken care of.

“There’s no food, no water, no shelter,” Hergenreder said. “Nobody’s nearby. This obviously isn’t a home. It’s a parking lot, and he’s tied up — not even with a leash. He’s got this frayed rope that’s just tied to the hitch. Obviously not being well taken care of.”

Officials Offer Mixed advice

Hergenreder consulted with a representative from eh Grand Rapids Police Department who said he wasn't able to give any official advice about the consequences of taking the dog.

The vet also talked to someone from the Kent County Animal Shelter who told her to go ahead and take the dog.

Vet Provides Rehabilitation For Neglected Dog

The doctor estimated that the dog was about 16 years old and in very poor health.

Hergenreder says she cut the dog loose and took him back to her practice in Frankenmuth. She provided approximately $3,000 worth of services including clearing up a severe urinary tract infection and removing a rotten tooth.

The vet took the dog home and gave him the name Biggby.

Homeless Man Claims Vet Stole His Dog

After the dog was rescued, his owner Chris Hamilton came forward, claiming his dog had gone missing.

Hamilton is homeless and said he had only left the dog unattended for 30-45 minutes the day Hergenreder took him home. The man claims he's had the dog for 15 years and that his name is Vinny.

Officials Refuse to Investigate Allegations of Animal Abuse

Because Kent County Animal Control officials won't investigate Vinny's future living conditions, Dr. Hergenreder is refusing to return the dog.

Hergenreder is expected to appear in court later this month on larceny charges. The future of Vinny - or Biggby - remains unclear.