Denton, TX, November 12, 2024 — The City of Denton has published the results of an independent review of its Animal Services Department, following public concerns about the department’s euthanasia protocols and operational standards at the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center. The independent review, conducted by Shelter Savvy, was commissioned in response to the controversial euthanization of a family dog, which sparked demands for accountability and transparency in the city’s animal care procedures.
The review, completed in early October, examined various areas of Denton Animal Services (DAS), including intake, adoption, sheltering practices, and euthanasia protocols. The report highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in dog and cat care, while recognizing DAS’s strengths in fostering programs and open adoption policies. Based on these findings, the City of Denton and DAS leadership have begun to implement a series of reforms to align with nationally recognized best practices.
Background of the Controversy
The review was initiated following the euthanasia of Gunner, a 12-year-old Labrador retriever owned by Denton resident John Gilcrease. Gunner was taken to the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center on September 3, where he was euthanized before his owner could reclaim him. Shelter staff cited severe health issues and unsuccessful attempts to reach the owner, while Gilcrease disputed these claims, asserting that his contact information on Gunner’s microchip was correct. This incident led to widespread public outcry and demands for stricter oversight of DAS.
In response, Denton City Manager Sara Hensley commissioned Shelter Savvy, a third-party expert, to provide an objective review of DAS’s policies to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and address gaps in operations.
Findings and Recommendations from Shelter Savvy
The Shelter Savvy report, based on a four-day site visit and staff surveys, identified strengths in DAS’s adoption policies and robust foster program. Key recommendations included:
- Dog Behavior Management and Enrichment: The report noted that DAS conducts formal behavior assessments on dogs, which Shelter Savvy advised discontinuing in favor of more effective enrichment practices. It recommended daily playgroups to enhance dogs’ social skills, reduce stress, and increase adoptability.
- Cat Housing and Stress Reduction: DAS was advised to implement spot cleaning for cats to reduce stress during housing and to eliminate outdated supplements that recent studies have shown to be ineffective. Plans are in progress to add double-sided kennels to enhance the cats’ living environment.
- Euthanasia Protocols and Transparency: The review urged DAS to establish a clear, public euthanasia policy and decision-making process to provide transparency. DAS is in the process of creating a euthanasia flow chart, which will outline how and when euthanasia decisions are made.
- Community Cat Programs: To reduce the intake of healthy, outdoor cats, the report recommended expanding community cat initiatives like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). This would allow healthy, unowned cats to be returned to their locations rather than relocated or euthanized.
Steps DAS is Taking in Response
The City of Denton and DAS leadership have already implemented or scheduled several recommendations from the Shelter Savvy report:
- Enhanced Training and Communication: DAS has begun regular staff training sessions covering updated cleaning procedures, animal handling, and disease control. Additionally, staff communication has been improved through daily briefings and weekly meetings.
- Refining Euthanasia Practices: DAS is currently developing a clear euthanasia policy, in collaboration with Shelter Savvy and Best Friends Animal Society, to ensure humane and consistent practices. The finalized policy will be presented to the Animal Services Advisory Committee and the City Council for feedback in early 2025.
- Improved Community Engagement and Transparency: DAS has launched a performance scorecard to publicly share data on shelter intakes, adoptions, and euthanasia rates. The department is also collaborating with successful animal shelters in nearby cities to learn and adopt best practices observed in other Texas facilities.
- Facility Upgrades and Capacity Enhancements: Renovations to the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center, funded by the 2023 Bond Program, are in the planning stages. Planned improvements include new dog runs, additional lighting, and modernized security measures. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2025.
Upcoming Audit and Further Action
In addition to the Shelter Savvy review, the City Auditor’s Office is conducting a separate audit of DAS operations as part of Denton’s annual internal audit plan. This audit, scheduled for presentation to the City Council in January 2025, will assess DAS’s compliance with local and state animal care regulations and its operational effectiveness.
For residents interested in the full details, the Shelter Savvy report and DAS’s management response can be accessed at City of Denton’s Animal Services website.