ALLENDALE TWP, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – A Grand Valley State University Student photographed lifting her dachshund by its tail will not face charges according to Mark Bennett of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
A photo that surfaced posted on social media had some accusing 18-year-old GVSU student Gillian Nemeth of animal abuse. The photo was taken on Labor Day off campus at West Campus Apartments in Allendale Township.
Bennett says Nemeth who has been very cooperative with authorities, told investigators she did lifted the five-year-old dachshund by the tail for a couple of seconds while the photo was taken. The dog was observed by officers and no injury or maltreatment effects were noted and the animal appeared to be acting normally. No violation of criminal law is believed to have occurred and the animal does not appear to be in any danger.
Grand Valley State University has issued a statement saying it does not condone Nemeth’s actions. Nemeth has publicly apologized, saying she would not have lifted the dog if she thought it would have caused the dog any harm, and says she plans to take the dog to the vet to make sure it is uninjured.
