Hailey
The city of Sturgeon, Missouri, has agreed to pay a major settlement after a heartbreaking incident involving a small blind and deaf dog named Teddy. Teddy’s owner, Nicholas Hunter, filed a lawsuit after the five-year-old Shih Tzu was shot and killed by a police officer.
The case shocked the town and created a huge wave of anger across the community. This article explains what happened, why the shooting created such strong reactions, and how the settlement reached its final amount.
What Happened to Teddy
Teddy was a tiny, disabled dog who weighed only about 13 pounds. He was born deaf and lost his vision two years before the shooting. On May 19, 2024, Teddy accidentally slipped out of his fenced yard while his owner was having dinner.
He wandered into a neighbour’s property, and because the Sturgeon Police Department handles animal control, the neighbour called them for help.
Officer Myron Woodson responded to the call. Bodycam footage shows him chasing Teddy around a field and trying to catch him with an animal-control pole.
After several failed attempts, Woodson shot Teddy. That part of the video was initially hidden, which only made residents more suspicious and upset.
Why the Officer Claimed He Shot Teddy
After the incident became public, the city claimed the officer thought Teddy might have rabies. They said he acted to protect public safety.
However, another video clip showed Woodson telling Teddy’s owner that he believed the dog was a stray. He also said he thought the dog was injured and suffering.
Woodson later stated in an affidavit that he followed department policy, which allows officers to kill an animal if it represents a threat to public safety or is severely suffering. But Teddy’s small size and disabilities made the public disagree strongly with the officer’s explanation.
Reaction From the Community
The incident caused huge anger in Sturgeon, a town with a population of around 900 people. Residents demanded answers, and many asked for stronger accountability from the police.
The controversy became so serious that the mayor at the time, Kevin Abrahamson, resigned. The new mayor suspended Woodson, and some citizens even suggested shutting down the entire police department.
Teddy’s owner filed a lawsuit, saying the city failed to train its officers properly on safe animal handling. His legal team also alleged that the officer later received $16,000 during his suspension. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported Hunter’s case by helping with legal costs.
Details of the Settlement
The city agreed to pay a total of $500,000 to settle the lawsuit. The money will be divided between Teddy’s owner and his legal team.
Simple Table:
| Recipient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Hunter (Teddy’s owner) | $282,500 |
| Hunter’s legal team | $217,500 |
Hunter’s lawyers said he is relieved the case is over, but nothing can bring Teddy back. They hope this settlement encourages better training for police officers so similar tragedies do not happen again.
Larger Pattern of Similar Incidents
Sadly, this is not the first time a police officer in the United States has shot a dog under questionable circumstances.
Similar cases have been reported in states like Georgia, Louisiana, and Colorado. Animal rights groups say police departments across the country need better training to avoid unnecessary harm to pets.
What Happened to the Officer
After the public outcry, Woodson was suspended. Reports say he went to City Hall twice demanding his paycheck early, even though he was banned from the property. He eventually resigned from his position and later found work as a process server.
Teddy’s death was a tragic event that touched many people across Missouri and beyond. While the $500,000 settlement offers some level of closure, it cannot replace the life of a small, harmless dog who depended on humans for safety.
This case highlights why proper training, accountability, and responsible decision-making are essential in law enforcement. Communities hope incidents like this will lead to real improvements so that no other family loses a beloved pet in such a painful way.