Family Awarded $500K After Police Fatally Shoot Blind, Deaf Dog

Settlement Over Dog Shooting

• 💰 Nicholas Hunter's family received a $500,000 settlement from the City of Sturgeon, Missouri, and a police officer.
• 💔 This settlement resolves a lawsuit filed after Officer Myron Woodson fatally shot Teddy, a 13-pound blind and deaf Shih Tzu mix.

Lawsuit Allegations

• ⚖️ The federal lawsuit, filed in May 2024, alleged that the city failed to properly train, supervise, and discipline its officer.
• 🏛️ Attorneys Daniel J. Kolde and Eric C. Crinnian filed the suit on behalf of Nicholas Hunter, alleging violations of his 4th Amendment rights.

Incident Details

• 📞 On May 19th, 2024, a neighbor found Teddy wandering and called the police for animal control assistance.
• ⏱️ Body camera footage shows Officer Woodson attempting to use a snare pole for three minutes before cocking his gun.
• 🎯 The officer shot Teddy twice at close range, despite the dog posing no apparent threat.

City's Initial Defense and Officer's Status

• ❓ The City of Sturgeon initially defended the officer's actions, claiming he believed Teddy had rabies or was severely injured.
• 🤦‍♂️ This justification was met with public fury online, and officials later learned the dog's behavior was due to being deaf and blind.
• 🚶‍♂️ Officer Myron Woodson was on paid leave until October 2024, when he resigned.
• 📉 The former mayor also resigned a week after the shooting.

Discussion on Training and Accountability

• 🗣️ The hosts emphasized that animal control officers should be trained professionals, not police officers who may lack the necessary skills.
• 🐶 The settlement is seen as a positive step, encouraging people to think twice before harming animals and highlighting the importance of deference to life.
• 💡 It is suggested that hiring a dedicated animal control expert would have been more cost-effective and humane for the city.