How would you feel if your dog went missing, you discovered that he or she was picked up by a shelter, and that the shelter had…put your dog down? Angry, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened to one dog owner in Texas.
A Texas family is speaking out after their beloved 12-year-old Labrador, Gunner, was euthanized at an animal shelter just days after going missing. John Gilcrease, a father of six, took to TikTok to share the heartbreaking story of how Gunner disappeared from their 8-acre property on September 3 and was later found at the Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center. The family was devastated to learn that their dog had been put down before they could retrieve him.
In the viral video, which has amassed over 5 million views, Gilcrease explained how the family called the shelter on September 4 after learning Gunner was there. However, the shelter was closed and would not reopen until September 5. By the time the family arrived, they were told that Gunner had already been euthanized.
Dustin Sternbeck, the city’s chief spokesperson, shared that Gunner was euthanized due to his “geriatric condition, severe mobility impairment, and lack of control over his bladder and bowels.” According to shelter policy, animals are typically held for 72 hours to give their owners time to claim them. However, in cases where an animal is suffering, euthanasia can be administered sooner, as it was with Gunner.
“After monitoring the dog overnight and into the next morning, staff in consultation with a licensed veterinarian made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Gunner based on his condition,” Sternbeck said in a statement, adding that Gunner’s microchip information was outdated, which delayed the family’s ability to be contacted.
The decision has sparked outrage from Gilcrease, who has since launched a change.org petition calling for an investigation into the shelter’s euthanasia practices. “Our fur baby was hastily and cruelly deemed disposable,” the petition reads, demanding a thorough review to prevent future incidents. As of now, the petition has garnered over 38,000 signatures.
The city of Denton has responded by announcing a comprehensive and independent review of the shelter’s processes and policies, with results to be released upon completion. Despite the shelter’s explanation that Gunner was suffering, Gilcrease remains adamant that the situation was mishandled and is seeking criminal charges against the shelter.
This tragic event has brought national attention to the issue of euthanasia policies in shelters and the importance of clear communication between animal shelters and pet owners.
