Missouri Community Outraged After Police Officer Shoots Blind and Deaf Dog

This week, a tragic incident in Sturgeon, Missouri, has left a community in turmoil after a police officer shot and killed a blind and deaf dog named Teddy. The local police department claims the officer acted out of fear of contracting rabies, but many residents are not convinced and are demanding accountability.

The victim, Teddy, was a five-year-old Shih Tzu mix weighing just 13 pounds. He escaped from his yard, prompting his owner, Nick Hunter, to give him some water and call the police for assistance. However, the situation took a devastating turn when the responding officer shot Teddy twice within minutes of arriving on the scene.

Body cam footage from the incident reveals Teddy running around a field, initially moving away from the officer before turning and heading toward him in a non-aggressive manner. The officer, identified as Myron Woodson, attempted to catch Teddy using a pole but quickly resorted to drawing his firearm and shooting the dog.

Nick Hunter, Teddy's owner, has expressed his heartbreak over the incident. He had raised Teddy since he was a puppy, describing him as a loving and harmless pet. Hunter believes Teddy and his other dog, Gizmo, managed to escape their outdoor kennel by digging under the fence while he was out for dinner.

Hunter recounted his conversation with Officer Woodson, who initially stated that he thought Teddy was an injured stray and decided to put him down. However, the city later released a statement claiming the officer feared the dog had rabies and acted in self-defense. Following an internal review, the department cleared Officer Woodson of any wrongdoing.

The community's response has been swift and passionate. An online petition calling for Officer Woodson's dismissal has garnered several thousand signatures. Furthermore, many residents are planning to attend the upcoming city aldermen meeting to voice their concerns and demand justice for Teddy.

This incident has sparked a larger conversation about the use of force by law enforcement, especially in situations involving animals. The community's call for accountability and transparency highlights the deep emotional impact of such events and the need for a thorough examination of police procedures and protocols.

It remains to be seen how the city and the police department will address the community's outcry and whether any changes will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.