The Public Demands Accountability and Transparency After the Death of a Family Pet at the Hands of Animal Control Services

July 2, 2026

Investigators are now looking into the circumstances that led to the death of Heiniu, a dog, during an Animal Control Services call, involving Aurora officers.

“I called Aurora Animal Services, fully believing in my heart that I was doing the right thing. I am now trying to forgive myself for making this tragic decision. I trusted that those responding would be professional, fully trained, and knowledgeable in how to use any equipment, including catch poles. I fully expected them to handle the dogs in a humane manner, and then safely have them reunited with their families. What was to occur and to be witnessed by my family and neighbors was a nightmare, something that I would never wish on anyone to experience.”

“The Town of Aurora management has continued to be vague and non-transparent, using ‘allow due process’ as the excuse, but the continued detachment is only deepening the feelings of anger and distrust,” she concluded. “The anger and outrage from people is palpable. This is only growing as we look for justice for Heiniu. I ask this Council and this Town’s management to be courageous and ask the difficult questions internally of hiring and training standards and of your crisis management approach, to listen to what the [constituents] are saying and asking of you.”

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