During a recent city council meeting, residents voiced their outrage over the handling of a local pet's euthanasia, raising serious concerns about the city's animal control policies. John Gilcrease, who discovered his dog Gunner lost and took him to a shelter, expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the circumstances surrounding Gunner's death. He recounted how Gunner was returned to him in a red trash bag after being euthanized, despite assurances from the shelter that it was a no-kill facility.

Gilcrease criticized the city for what he described as a failure in animal care protocols, highlighting that Gunner was euthanized on a day the shelter was closed to the public. He called for changes to ensure that no euthanizations occur on such days and that a veterinarian must sign off on any euthanasia decisions. His plea was echoed by his wife, Courtney Gilchrist, who detailed discrepancies in the shelter's assessment of Gunner's health and raised questions about the communication breakdown between city departments.

Courtney highlighted that Gunner's condition was misrepresented by shelter staff, who reported him as being in poor health, while a veterinarian later assessed him as being in much better condition. She also pointed out that Gunner had received vaccinations shortly before his death, which could have affected his health status.

The couple's emotional testimony underscored a broader call for accountability and reform within the city's animal control system, as they urged officials to prioritize the welfare of pets and ensure transparency in their operations. The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to review the policies and procedures surrounding animal care and euthanasia in light of the Gilcrease family's tragic experience.