Canoga Park Woman Sues LAPD After Officer Fatally Shoots Family Dog

02 July 2026

A Los Angeles woman has filed a federal lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department following the fatal shooting of her beloved dog during what began as a routine welfare check at her Canoga Park apartment. The case has sparked widespread public debate over police use of force involving animals and renewed calls for changes to department policies and officer training.

Marie Marseille, a registered nurse and lifelong New York Knicks fan, alleges that LAPD officers unnecessarily shot and killed her two year old dog, Jameson, outside her apartment on June 13. The lawsuit names the City of Los Angeles and several unidentified officers, claiming excessive force, negligence and unconstitutional practices related to the department's handling of encounters with animals.

The incident occurred shortly after the New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship in more than five decades. According to the lawsuit, Marseille had been celebrating the historic victory inside her apartment, cheering loudly enough that a concerned neighbor called 911 after hearing repeated screams of "Oh my God." Believing someone might be in danger, officers were dispatched to conduct a welfare check.

Body camera footage released by the department shows officers arriving at Marseille's apartment and asking her to secure her large dog before continuing their conversation. Marseille can be heard telling officers that Jameson was not aggressive. She briefly closed the apartment door before reopening it moments later. Within seconds, the dog emerged from the apartment, barking as officers backed away. An officer then fired multiple shots, killing Jameson near the doorway while Marseille cried out in disbelief.

The LAPD has stated that the officer fired after the dog charged toward him, creating what officers believed was an immediate threat. Department officials identified Jameson as a 106 pound mixed breed. Marseille, however, describes him as a gentle golden retriever, Saint Bernard and poodle mix who was wearing a New York Knicks shirt during the celebration.

According to the lawsuit, Jameson never bared his teeth, growled or attempted to attack the officers. Marseille argues that officers failed to give her sufficient time to calm or restrain her pet before resorting to deadly force. Her legal team also contends that LAPD policy permits force against an animal only when it presents an immediate threat of injury and that officers failed to properly distinguish between an excited dog and an aggressive one.

The case has drawn significant public attention, prompting responses from city leaders. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the body camera footage as disturbing and tragic, announcing that she wants the department's policies regarding encounters with pets to be reevaluated. She argued that written guidelines alone may not be enough to prevent similar incidents in the future.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also acknowledged the emotional impact of the shooting, saying the loss of a pet is deeply personal for many families. While the department has declined to comment directly on the lawsuit because of pending litigation, McDonnell has pledged a full investigation into the officer's actions. He emphasized that officers are expected to exercise sound judgment, restraint and respect for life whenever possible and said every aspect of the incident will be carefully reviewed.

Public reaction has been swift. A fundraising campaign created to support Marseille attracted hundreds of thousands of dollars, while animal welfare advocates and community members have continued calling for increased training to help officers safely handle encounters with dogs without resorting to lethal force. The incident has become a focal point in broader discussions about policing practices and accountability.

As the lawsuit moves through federal court, investigators and legal experts will examine body camera footage, department policies and witness testimony to determine whether the officers acted within established guidelines. For Marseille, however, the case is about far more than legal arguments. She says it is about seeking accountability for the loss of a cherished family companion whose life ended during what should have been a simple welfare check.