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Sturgeon, Missouri to Pay $500,000 to Settle Suit Over Police Shooting of Blind, Deaf Dog

Body-camera footage contradicting the city's account spurred the lawsuit.

Overview

  • The settlement directs $282,500 to owner Nicholas Hunter and $217,500 to his attorneys.
  • Footage showed the 13-pound Shih Tzu, Teddy, was not aggressive as Officer Myron Woodson failed to snare him with a catch pole before firing.
  • City statements initially justified the shooting by citing fears of rabies, a claim later undercut by the released video.
  • The incident led to the officer’s suspension and the mayor’s resignation, while plaintiffs say a promised internal investigation never occurred and allege a $16,000 payment to Woodson.
  • Woodson no longer works for the department and was later reported charged with trespassing, as the Animal Legal Defense Fund called the payout one of the largest of its kind.