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An animal shelter has sparked outrage online and across the country after taking in a healthy golden retriever and then euthanizing him shortly after.
The Linda McNutt Animal Rescue and Adoption Center has been inundated with criticism and questions after the organization euthanized Gunner, a 13-year-old golden retriever who went missing on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Gunner owner John Gilcrease said: TikTok videos of about 10 minutes The family said that when it was time to feed the dog Tuesday night, they couldn’t find it on the eight-acre property.
“At that point I started to panic, jumped in my car and drove for nearly five hours until almost 1 a.m.” Gilcrease says CNN.
Gilcrease said he drove around for hours looking for Gunner, but his efforts were futile. But the next day, he was contacted by a woman named Deborah who told him the dog was at an animal shelter.
The information came as a relief to Mr Gilcrease and his family. He said: “I thought, ‘He’s safe, they know we’re coming, he’s there and everything’s going to be fine,'” she said.
Gilcrease noted that Gunner was still within the animal shelter’s 72-hour protection period for stray dogs when she picked him up on Thursday.
Upon arrival, shelter staff told them Gunner had been found 12.2 miles from home, but Gilcrease noted that Gunner’s age and the condition of his legs meant he wouldn’t be able to walk that far.
He added: “I know there was something wrong with the story. I just didn’t know what it was or where it was.”
Staff members took Gilcrease to the back of the shelter to look for Gunner, but he was nowhere to be found in any of the kennels.
Gilcrease told CNN: “For example, I said, ‘Where’s my dog?’ and she took so long to respond that I said, ‘Did you kill my dog?'” Gilcrease said. “And she said, ‘Yes.'”
In a statement, the shelter’s director confirmed that Gunner had been euthanized. They said Gunner “He was elderly, had severe mobility issues and had no control of his bladder or bowels.”
“‘Your dog was old and had arthritis. He could barely stand up and he was pooping and peeing on his own.’ And I said, ‘Because he’s scared.’ Gilcrease said.
Gilcrease said the animal shelter was looking to get Gunner back. Plastic bags Without any apology whatsoever.
“My kids are hurting. I’m hurting. I can’t stop crying. My wife can’t stop crying.” Gilcrease said.
In a statement, the City of Denton explained: “Gunner was unable to walk without assistance and had no bowel or bladder control. After a thorough veterinary examination it was clear that Gunner was in extreme distress.”
“Our staff have attempted to contact the person listed on Gunner’s microchip but the email address has bounced and the phone number has been disconnected.” They continued.
But Gilcrease disputes the shelter’s claim that Gunner’s microchip information is out of date. reveal He sued the shelter staff for animal cruelty for euthanizing his family’s dog.
The City of Denton also spoke about its 72-hour stray animal holding period and why it didn’t apply to Gunner.
“A holding period usually applies, but there are exceptions where staff can waive the 72-hour requirement, such as if the animal is suffering or has a poor quality of life.” The City of Denton wrote: “Given Gunner’s weakened condition and severe suffering, staff followed policy and humanely euthanized him.”
But, Gilcrease said: “Animal shelters and shelters should be safe places for lost or scared dogs, and places where owners can find their dog within 72 hours.”
“It’s a city ordinance. I had 72 hours and within the first 24 hours they killed my dog.” Gilcrease added.
New information has been released Denton Record Chronicle The report said Gunner was found two miles from his home, not 12, and that shelter staff did not consult with a veterinarian about whether to euthanize him.
The animal shelter’s decision has sparked outrage, with a post on the shelter’s Facebook page flooded with comments calling for justice for Gunner.
A Facebook user wrote: “It’s especially hard saying goodbye to a pet when shelter staff decide it’s time for him to die simply because he’s old. Gunner had a loving family waiting for him at home!! Shame on him!”
Another wrote: “Gunner had a home. Is arthritis a death sentence? Justice for Gunner.”
the current, Petition On Charge.org “We demand an investigation into the unfair euthanasia practices at the Linda McNutt Animal Rescue and Adoption Center.” It currently has over 40,000 signatures.
