Grand Rapids

Michigan Veterinarian Found Guilty of Stealing Homeless Man’s Dog

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – ​ A ‍Kent ⁤County jury delivered a guilty verdict Friday in⁤ the case of a veterinarian accused of taking a dog ​from its ‌owner, a homeless man. dr. Hergenreder faces up to 93 ⁤days in jail and a $500 fine after being convicted of ‌larceny, despite arguments ⁤centering on the dog’s welfare. Sentencing is scheduled for November⁢ 7.

The case sparked debate over the line between legal action⁣ and moral‍ obligation, with the prosecution arguing the defendant unlawfully took someone else’s property. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Sorci ‌emphasized the simplicity of the case to the ⁢jury. “This is a simple case of larceny. The defendant took⁤ someone else’s⁤ property,” Sorci ‍stated.

Sorci further argued​ that Hergenreder’s own statements during a phone call to​ police – expressing worry about getting into trouble – betrayed her guilt. A juror was observed taking notes during ⁣the playback of the call. The prosecutor also characterized the‍ veterinarian as having a “martyr complex.”

The alleged ‌victim, ​identified as Hamilton, testified on the second day of the trial. He described ‍providing ⁢for his dog,‍ Vinny, sharing⁢ his ‌own food, frequently enough fast food, with the animal ⁣and⁤ insisting,​ “I never not fed my dog. My dog got fed more than I did.” ‍He ⁢also ⁤stated Vinny last saw a​ veterinarian five years prior for an ear infection. Hamilton appeared visibly distressed while testifying,⁣ described as whimpering softly and covering his mouth with his hand.

The defense pointed to Hamilton’s initial absence from the trial. The six-person jury deliberated for​ just 45 minutes ‌before reaching a verdict.

Following the trial, a juror, speaking anonymously, echoed the prosecution’s argument that Hergenreder had alternative options to ensure the dog’s well-being. The juror expressed sadness that Hamilton was‌ unable to see Vinny during the‌ animal’s ‌final months. “It was sad,” the juror said. “It wasn’t the right ⁤thing to do. You don’t take somebody’s dog.”

Hamilton stated he was devastated by Vinny’s disappearance and continues to feel the​ loss. “I never felt the same,” he‍ said. “He ‍was a part of me.”