In a case that has sparked debate about animal welfare and the rights of people experiencing homelessness, a Michigan veterinarian was convicted of misdemeanor theft for refusing to return a dog to its homeless owner.
The Story
Dr. Amanda Hergenreder, a veterinarian in western Michigan, found a 16-year-old pit bull mix tied to a truck last November. The dog, suffering from a severe urinary tract infection and a rotten tooth, was brought to her clinic two hours away, where she named him Biggby and began treatment. Believing she was acting in the dog’s best interest, she declined to return him to his owner, Chris Hamilton, a man in Grand Rapids without permanent housing.
Prosecutors, however, charged her with larceny, noting that Hamilton was still the rightful owner. The two-day trial ended in a guilty verdict. While Hergenreder faces up to 93 days in jail and fines, she told jurors she would “do it all again in a heartbeat.”
Pets and Homelessness
The case illustrates the deep bonds between people experiencing homelessness and their pets. Studies estimate that 5–10% of homeless individuals have pets, with some reports suggesting rates as high as 24% in certain communities. For many, animals provide emotional support, companionship, and even safety — often serving as their only family.
However, access to veterinary care and housing that accommodates pets remains a major barrier. Many shelters don’t allow animals, forcing individuals to choose between services and staying with their pets.
Why This Matters
While this trial focused narrowly on property law and animal welfare, it highlights a broader systemic challenge: how can communities better support both people and their pets in times of housing insecurity?
- Expanding shelter and transitional housing that accepts pets.
- Increasing funding for veterinary outreach for underserved populations.
- Recognizing the therapeutic role pets play in recovery and stability.