In New Orleans, a police officer has gone on trial under a federal civil lawsuit following the fatal shooting of a puppy. The incident occurred in 2021 when Officer Derrick Burmaster responded to a domestic disturbance call. As Burmaster entered the yard of the residence, a Catahoula Leopard dog, named Apollo, approached him. According to internal investigations by the New Orleans Police Department, the dog did not pose a threat and the officer’s actions were deemed a violation of department policies. However, in a surprising turn, the department reversed its decision in July 2023, clearing Burmaster of wrongdoing.
New Orleans Independent Police Monitor, Stella Cziment, has expressed disbelief at the reversal, stating: “I don’t see how it aligns with policy; I don’t understand how he was exonerated and I disagree with that finding.” This case emerges amid a period of change for the city’s police force, which is under long-term federal oversight due to past misconduct.
Apollo’s owners, Derek Brown and Julia Barecki-Brown, have accused Burmaster of infringing on their constitutional rights by shooting the dog without any legitimate threat. They have also criticized the city for inadequate training and supervision of the officer. The couple claims to have suffered severe emotional distress and are seeking damages, but have declined to comment through their lawyer.
During trial proceedings, the defense argued that Burmaster acted according to his training in a split-second decision. His attorney, Corwin St. Raymond, explained to the jury that the officer’s actions were justified under the circumstances. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Police Department and Burmaster have refrained from commenting due to the ongoing litigation.
The incident unfolded on April 10, 2021, when Burmaster and another officer responded to a report of screaming in the city’s Lower Garden District. Body camera footage and court documents outline the ensuing events: upon entering the yard, Burmaster made noises to check for dogs but found none initially. As they proceeded, two dogs approached, resulting in Burmaster shooting Apollo after perceiving a threat, while his partner exited the scene.
The incident took a tragic turn when the dog’s owners emerged from their home, horrified and distraught. As tensions escalated, Burmaster identified himself and repeatedly apologized, questioning why the dogs were out. During investigations, Burmaster cited fear of being bitten as his reason for shooting. This mirrored a previous incident in 2012 where he fatally shot another dog due to similar fears. Data shows that between 2012 and 2022, there were 11 fatal animal shootings by New Orleans police officers.
The department’s Use of Force Review Board unanimously deemed Burmaster’s actions unjustified, taking issue with his failure to consider non-lethal measures and his lack of proper equipment. Despite this, some within the department, such as Sgt. David Duplantier, supported Burmaster’s actions under the challenging circumstances. In contrast, it was revealed that Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick had not viewed the necessary footage before exonerating Burmaster.
Apollo, a 16-week-old Catahoula Leopard dog, was described by the United Kennel Club as an affectionate and loyal breed, designated as the state dog of Louisiana. The heart-wrenching case reflects broader concerns about police practices and accountability, with the lawsuit seeking justice for the loss suffered by Apollo’s family.