Discussions were had. Everyone with an opinion was listened to. And from what I understand, those who had a stake in the dragon's survival were allowed to attempt to save it, and were not able to through either a quirk of this planet's magic or radiation or what have you. We did what we needed to, and now we're both safer and richer for it.
But by all means, continue stirring up paranoia and resentment with your undue martyr complex.