Punish Police Officer Who Killed 13-Pound Blind, Deaf Dog

Published: May 27, 2024 at 12:11 AM Author: Penny Eims

Sturgeon, Missouri – On May 19, Officer Myron Woodson responded to a dog at large call. Officer Woodson found a small, white dog who he deemed a “danger to the public.” After following the dog for a short period of time, Officer Woodson made the decision to shoot and kill the 13-pound dog.

The slain dog was Teddy, a five-year-old, blind and deaf Shih Tzu mix belonging to Nick Hunter. Teddy slipped out of his yard and was blindly trying to find his way home before someone phoned dispatch to let them know that a NON-AGGRESSIVE dog was loose.

The city of Sturgeon had posted photos of Teddy to social media, asking if anyone knew him.

But Officer Woodson got to Teddy before anyone else. In video footage, Woodson can be heard saying, “I’m not gonna let you bite me, you’re looking all cray.” From ABC 17 News, A total of three minutes, and six seconds occurs in the video from when the officer first initially gets close to the animal and the first shot being fired.

In less than five minutes, Officer Woodson decided to fatally shoot a small, blind dog – Teddy was dead less than an hour from the time the person phoned dispatch to have him picked up. That person, who does not want to be named, told dispatch that the dog was not aggressive – it was sitting next to them, drinking some water while they waited for an officer to arrive.

Teddy’s distraught owner confronted the man who killed the pup, and the officer did not indicate that he thought Teddy was going to harm him, and he never mentioned the possibility of the dog being infected with rabies. He basically said, “What was I supposed to do?”

The city released a statement about the deadly incident. The city said that the officer “feared being bitten,” and states that Officer Woodson feared the dog was infected with rabies.

The deadly situation has sparked widespread outrage in the city and as word spreads about what happened, people across the nation have voiced their dismay and anger. If you are among the outraged, please add your name to the petition today!

Disturbing: Watch body cam video of this incident below.

Video from reporter and animal advocate Paul Mueller below.

Target: Aldermen Seth Truesdell (temporarily taking over the mayor position after Kevin Abrahamson unexpectedly resigned on 5/25/2024), Greg Halderman Chief of Police, and Prosecuting Attorney Roger B. Johnson

We the undersigned demand that Officer Myron Woodson face charges and employment repercussions for shooting and killing a blind and deaf dog in less than five minutes of “trying” to capture him. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for Woodson to face true consequences for his actions; this can NEVER happen again. Officer Woodson must be held accountable, and the entire department must undergo training to ensure that loose dog calls are handled appropriately. 

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

ABC 17

ABC 17

NBC

Update 8/14/2025: A federal civil rights lawsuit is moving forward over the fatal police shooting of Nicholas Hunter’s blind and deaf dog, Teddy. Hunter is seeking summary judgment, arguing the City of Sturgeon failed to train its officers, neglected to investigate, and even paid the shooter, former Officer Myron Woodson, $16,000 after his suspension. The city is asking the court to dismiss the case, claiming there was no wrongdoing and that the shooting was an isolated incident. Animal Victory was advised that the city police department was essentially “defunct” with no officers working there. A deputy from Boone County Law Enforcement advised Animal Victory there was no investigation. We thank those who signed our petition for this heartbreaking, and incredibly frustrating case. 

Update 5/30/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the Mayor Pro-Tem. 

Update 5/28/2024: Officer Woodson has been placed on leave and Kevin Abrahamson, the mayor, resigned because of community backlash over Teddy’s killing. Seth Truesdell, Abrahamson’s temporary replacement, issued a public comment about this situation on May 25:

On Friday evening, I was informed that the Mayor would be resigning and I would be assuming his role. The board of Alderman and myself do not agree with former Mayor’s statements and were not giving any notice before release. The first time any Alderman saw the body cam video was during the KMIZ news release. Like you we were just as appalled by what we saw. The actions of the Officer involved are not the values and beliefs of the residents of Sturgeon or the board of Alderman. Currently I have made calls to the Boone County Sheriff to meet and discuss an investigation. The officer involved was placed on leave and will remain on leave until further notice. The board of Alderman will be holding a future special meeting to discuss personnel including Officer Woodson. I personally give my condolences to the owners of Teddy. I know nothing I do now or in the future will bring Teddy back. The board of Aldermen and myself are committed to helping the City of Sturgeon heal.