A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the City of Los Angeles following the fatal shooting of a dog by an LAPD officer, an incident that occurred shortly after the New York Knicks secured a championship victory.
The dog, a 100-pound Golden Saint Berdoodle named Jameson, was killed on June 13 by an officer as it exited its owner's Canoga Park apartment. Two officers had approached the apartment to check on the resident, Marie Marseille, after a neighbor reported hearing exclamations of joy, later linked to the Knicks' win. Body camera footage shows Jameson, who was wearing a Knicks T-shirt, barking loudly when the door was opened. Although Marseille was asked to secure the dog, Jameson reportedly pushed past her and ran towards an officer in the hallway, who then fired four shots, fatally wounding the animal.
The Los Angeles Police Department has stated it does not comment on pending litigation. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell had previously announced a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Videos of the incident garnered significant public attention and criticism, leading to the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign for Marseille. The fund has since raised nearly $250,000, with plans to create the Jameson Marseille Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to animal welfare initiatives.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges an undue use of force, asserting that Jameson did not exhibit aggressive behavior such as baring teeth or growling. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified exemplary damages and attorneys' fees. Marie Marseille and her son Jeremiah Garcia are represented by attorneys Brett Greenfield and Falamak Abromson. The police department released body camera footage on June 19 as part of an ongoing internal investigation.
In response to the incident, Mayor Karen Bass has requested a review of the LAPD's policies regarding the use of force against animals. This review aims to enhance safety for officers, residents, and their pets.
