Dog Dad Speaks Out After His Missing 12-Year-Old Labrador Is Euthanized at Animal Shelter

"Our fur baby was hastily and cruelly deemed disposable, his life carelessly ended by those who were supposed to protect and care for him," a petition reads

A dog owner in Texas is speaking out after his beloved 12-year-old Labrador was euthanized at an animal shelter.

John Gilcrease, a father of six, explained in a TikTok video that has garnered over 5 million views that he noticed that the family dog of almost 13 years went missing on Tuesday, Sept. 3, while trying to feed him dinner on their vast 8-acre property.

After failing to locate Gunner and posting about the dog's disappearance on social media, Gilcrease was informed the next day that his dog was at the Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center (also known as the City of Denton Animal Shelter).

His family called the shelter, which said they were closed until Thursday, Sept. 5. Once arriving at the center that day, Gilcrease was informed that Gunner was picked up nearly 12 miles from his home and had been "put down."

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Dustin Sternbeck, the city’s chief spokesperson, shared in a statement to the Denton Record-Chronicle that Gunner was euthanized because "he was geriatric, had severe mobility impairment and no control over his bladder and bowels."

The city of Denton states on its website that animal owners have a maximum of 72 hours to pick up their pets from the shelter before "the animal shall become the property of the Animal Services Center and the Animal Services Center shall disposition the animal through adoption, transfer to an animal welfare organization, or euthanasia."

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In his statement to the Denton Record-Chronicle, Sternbeck said the hold period has a "provision to allow for humane euthanasia before the 72-hour period to alleviate animal suffering."

“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, in accordance with shelter policy and City Ordinance," his statement added, noting that Gunner's microchip had "outdated information."

In a statement to CBS News DFW on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the city included a more detailed timeline of events, adding that Gunner was given medication, but his condition did not improve.

"We are aware that there has been concern about the 72-hour stray hold period," the Sept. 11 statement reads. "While the hold period typically applies, there are exceptions, such as when an animal is suffering or has a poor quality of life, which allow staff to forgo the 72-hour requirement. Given Gunner's degenerative condition and severe suffering, our staff acted within policy to humanely euthanize him."

The city went on to say that its City Manager requested a "comprehensive and independent review of our shelter's processes and policies to identify additional ways to support the animals in our care." The results of the review will be released when it is complete, the Sept. 11 statement continued.

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PEOPLE reached out to the Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center and the city of Denton but did not immediately hear back.

In a follow-up video, Gilcrease said he's seeking criminal charges against the shelter and asked his followers to sign a change.org petition.

"This center's reckless decision has irrevocably damaged our family. Our fur baby was hastily and cruelly deemed disposable, his life carelessly ended by those who were supposed to protect and care for him," the description reads.

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"We are calling for an urgent and thorough investigation into the euthanasia practices of Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center to ensure that no more families need to suffer as we have," it adds. As of this writing, the petition has acquired over 38,000 signatures.

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