Ann Arbor (February 26, 2025) – A long and painful road to justice has come to an end for two Australian Shepherds rescued from severe abuse in 2022.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is relieved to see accountability in the case, though it underscores the urgent need for systemic change in how animal cruelty cases are handled.
In March 2022, a veterinary clinic alerted authorities after treating an 8-month-old Australian Shepherd puppy for a broken leg and discovering multiple new and old fractures across her small, 35-pound frame—contradicting claims that she had merely “fallen down the stairs.”
A Good Samaritan also came forward, reporting that they had witnessed the dog, later named Cali, being punched, kicked, and stomped.
HSHV animal cruelty investigators rescued Cali and another Australian Shepherd from the owner’s possession and began a years-long fight for their justice and safety.
The owner, George Herman, pled to a misdemeanor of animal cruelty and on October 29, 2024 was convicted. He was sentenced to five days in jail and twenty-four months of probation, during which he is prohibited from having contact with animals.
He was also required to write a letter of apology for yelling at the court clerks.
On February 19, 2025, Mr. Herman was also ordered to pay approximately $14,000 in restitution to HSHV for the care and medical treatment of both dogs.
“This was a brutal case, but we’re so glad that justice has finally been served and delighted that both dogs are now safe in permanent, loving homes,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s President and CEO.
“Of course, we’d like to see harsher punishments for such extreme violence against defenseless animals. And we also need to find ways to move these deserving animals to loving homes much more quickly.”
Together, the two dogs spent approximately 1,600 days in HSHV’s care while the case was processed, with medical and housing costs totaling $72,000.
“We are eternally grateful to HSHV’s donors, volunteers and staff who ensure abused animals always get the love and care they need,” said Hilgendorf.
“But I’d like to stress again that victims of animal cruelty should not be sitting in shelters for years. Mr. Herman had his freedom taken away for five days. It is nearly unheard of for a perpetrator of animal cruelty to receive any jail time, so that is a small victory. However, his abused dogs had to wait years for their freedom.”
HSHV calls for legislative action to prevent prolonged shelter stays for cruelty victims. Last legislative session, Michigan lawmakers failed to pass an animal forfeiture bill that would have expedited the process.
Hilgendorf urges the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to take action where it can, including requesting animal forfeiture hearings.
“This is one of those frustrating situations where nearly everyone sees and dislikes the problem, but we aren’t seeing change,” Hilgendorf said.
“We need our justice system to do better for these victims.”
