Trial of New Orleans Officer Over Puppy Shooting
A New Orleans police officer is facing trial in a federal lawsuit after he shot and killed an 18-week-old puppy while responding to a noise complaint. The puppy, named Apollo, was shot by Officer Derrick Burmaster on April 10, 2021.
According to court documents, Burmaster and his partner arrived at a home to investigate a noise complaint. When the officers approached the gate, two dogs ran towards them. While Burmaster’s partner stepped back, Burmaster allegedly drew his firearm and fired three shots at Apollo, a small rescue puppy weighing just over 22 pounds.
Reports indicate that Apollo was so young he hadn’t learned to bark yet. The bullet entered through the back of his neck and exited from his chest, causing severe injuries including broken ribs and a damaged lung. Burmaster’s shots also injured the puppy’s paws and hurt his partner’s hand.
When Derek Brown and Julia Barecki-Brown, Apollo’s owners, heard the gunshots, they rushed outside to find their beloved pet bleeding. Julia, in tears, questioned the officer, “How could you shoot a puppy? This is the love of our lives.” In distress, Derek held Apollo as he passed away.
An internal review by the New Orleans Police Department found that Apollo did not pose a threat and deemed the shooting “unjustified.” Despite this, Burmaster was cleared of any wrongdoing. Stella Cziment, the New Orleans Independent Police Monitor, expressed confusion over the department’s decision, stating she disagreed with the finding.
This was not Burmaster’s first incident; he shot another dog in 2012 while responding to a property damage complaint, raising concerns about his use of force.
During the trial, Burmaster’s lawyer argued that the officer made a quick decision and acted according to his training, describing his reaction as reasonable under the circumstances. The case continues to draw attention as it highlights issues surrounding police conduct and the treatment of animals.
