Nicholas Hunter, the owner of a dog shot and killed by a Sturgeon police officer, has initiated legal action by filing a federal lawsuit against both the officer and the city. The lawsuit, obtained by KOMU 8, was filed on Tuesday by attorneys based in St. Louis and Kansas City on behalf of Hunter. It names Officer Myron Woodson and the city of Sturgeon as defendants.
The incident in question occurred on May 19 when Officer Woodson encountered a Shih Tzu named Teddy, whom he claimed was behaving erratically. After “numerous attempts” at capture failed, Woodson proceeded to shoot and kill the dog, citing concerns about potential severe injury or rabies infection, as per a statement from the city.
The crux of the lawsuit revolves around the alleged violation of Hunter’s Fourth Amendment rights, specifically protection against “unreasonable… seizures.” Citing legal precedent from the United States Supreme Court, the lawsuit argues that the killing of a family pet constitutes an unlawful seizure, as it interferes with the individual’s possessory interests in the property.
According to the lawsuit, Hunter contends that the dog posed no threat and could have been apprehended using non-lethal methods. Additionally, the suit asserts municipal liability, holding the city responsible for Officer Woodson’s actions carried out in his official capacity. It further claims that any existing policies or training related to animal control in Sturgeon were insufficient.
The shooting sparked significant backlash within the Sturgeon community, prompting some residents to sign a petition calling for Officer Woodson’s removal from his position. Currently, Woodson is on leave, and on May 25, nearly a week after the incident, the mayor of Sturgeon announced his resignation.
