COLUMBIA, Mo. — Negotiations are ongoing between the City of Sturgeon, a former police officer, and the owner of a dog killed by police, with all parties striving to reach a settlement in connection with a federal lawsuit.
Attorney Michael Berry, representing the city, informed a federal judge on Friday that discussions have been constructive, prompting a request for an extension to the upcoming deadline for filing pre-trial motions. This trial is set to start on February 2, 2026, arising from an incident involving former reserve officer Myron Woodson, who shot a blind and deaf dog named Teddy in 2024.
The lawsuit was initiated in May 2024 by Nicholas Hunter, Teddy’s owner, after Woodson shot the 13-pound dog while attempting to apprehend him. Video footage obtained shows Woodson pursuing Teddy for approximately three minutes before the shooting occurred.
Berry’s recent motion highlighted that a mediation attempt in June was unsuccessful. However, he noted that progress has been made in private discussions aimed at reconciling their differences over settlement amounts. His plea to the court was to extend the deadline for filing motions to August 8 to accommodate these ongoing negotiations.
The incident has drawn attention to police procedures involving animals, particularly in instances of perceived threats. As discussions continue, the city and Hunter remain focused on resolving the matter amicably before the scheduled court date.
This case not only underscores the legal ramifications of such incidents but also serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interactions between law enforcement and community members concerning animal welfare.
The outcome of the settlement talks remains uncertain, but both sides express cautious optimism as they navigate the negotiation process.
The situation is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny on police actions in similar cases across the nation. As these negotiations progress, the hope is to reach a resolution that acknowledges the concerns raised by Hunter and his devastating loss.
This article was automatically written by OpenAI. The people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate, and any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by writing an email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.