Dog controversy goes to East Bethel City Council

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A woman is pleading with the city of East Bethel to make the animal control process more transparent after searching the entire area for her family's dog, who got loose from the property and hasn't been seen since. 

Ashley Wellman petitioned officials Wednesday to help after a long and strange saga that began when her dog was picked up by a local animal control officer, Tammy Gimpl, who also runs a private kennel in the area.

Gimpl posted pictures of the family's dog, Duke, to her Facebook page in an attempt to find the owner. Soon after, Wellman contacted her to retrieve the dog--a service that would cost $180. Per state law, she had five days to pay up or the dog can be legally adopted by someone else or euthanized, much to Wellman's chagrin. 

"It hasn't been fair. Because of my financial situation I can't have my dog," Wellman said. ""We would go through any means to re-adopt him and get him back home."

She asked Gimpl to come down on the price--which she did, to $120--but the five days came and went, along with a few more.

The dog was then taken by another local shelter to be adopted by a new family, a move local officials applauded because it saved the animal from being euthanized.

"To Ms. Gimpl's credit, she's very concientious," said City Administrator Jack Davis. "She's committed to not euthanizing animals, so she finds a place for them."

In the wake of Wellman's teary-eyed testimony Wednesday city leaders said they'd review Wellman's complaint, though they noted that Gimpl has been operating in the area for a few years and no complaints have filed against her.