An owner was awarded more than $260,000 from a city in Colorado after his therapy dog was shot and killed by police officers in 2012.
The settlement came after the Animal Law Center filed a lawsuit against Commerce City in 2013 on behalf of Gary Branson, the owner of deceased dog Chloe. The settlement, which amounted to $262,000, is reportedly the largest of its kind.
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In November 2012 police responded to a complaint that there was a stray dog in a Commerce City neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers attempted to use catchpoles to capture 3-year-old Chloe but failed. They then tasered the dog and Officer Robert Price shot her five times.
A neighbor captured the whole ordeal on tape, which shows the dog cowering and attempting to escape. This piece of evidence played a pivotal role in the case.
The settlement came after a jury found Price not guilty of aggravated animal cruelty. After this outcome, the Animal Law Center decided to pursue a civil suit.
Attorney Jennifer Edwards, who works with the center, told CBS that this settlement sets an example for future cases.
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“It speaks volumes as to the fact that this isn’t going to happen and you’re not going to not be held accountable,” she said.
While the money does provide some justice for Branson, it doesn’t bring closure.
“No amount of money could replace Chloe,” he said.
