ESA Weekly News Report, October 31st: Grand Rapids To Pay $50K In Settlement After Officer Killed An ESA

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  • ESA Weekly News Report, October 31st: Grand Rapids To Pay $50K In Settlement After Officer Killed An ESA

By: katelyn Updated: November 1, 2022

Happy Halloween, fellow readers. We’re in the last week of October and, as always, we’re back with a brand new newsletter. This time we take you to Michigan for new developments in the world of Service and Emotional Support Animals.

City Agrees To Settle After Police Officer Shot At and Killed An Emotional Support Animal. 

Billie Barrone filed a federal lawsuit in December 2021 after a city police officer killed her Emotional Support Dog, Jay Jay, by firing at it. Barrone is represented by Cristopher Trainor & Associates, who argued that their client’s Emotional Support Animal (ESA) was shot at without reason. 

On the other hand, the city claimed that the dog was attacking Kent County Animal Control Officers. They went on to state that the animal had bit one officer on the leg and later moved to attack Officer Mark Konynenbelt, who fired at the animal, killing it. The officers were on location investigating a complaint against Jay Jay.

Ms. Barrone’s attorneys argued that contrary to the city’s claim, Barrone’s sister was close to controlling the canine and was running away from people when Officer Mark fired. 

When Ms. Barrone filed the lawsuit initially, she did so by claiming Fourth Amendment violations for destroying property without a probable cause or a warrant. She sought damages amounting to at least $75,000. 

Her attorneys also highlighted that she was very close to her dog, having raised it since it was four months old. She is said to have suffered emotional and economic losses directly related to the officer killing her dog. 

According to court records, both parties agreed to settle the case on October 6, 2023. Grand Rapids agreed to a settlement of $50,000 to Ms. Barrone. While the parties to the case have decided to opt for a settlement, neither have filed dismissal papers with the court. They have until November 7 to do so. 

Source: MLive

CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News

Our heart goes out to Ms. Barrone for her tragic loss. The fact that Grand Rapids decided to settle instead of dragging the matter is appreciative too. However, the case does highlight how animal control and police officers need to take greater care when dealing with complaints. 

There’s not much concrete evidence about Jay Jay being aggressive. Emotional Support and Service Animals aren’t just pets. They help humans live better lives and deserve the same in return. Using a firearm to kill animals sounds like excessive use of force, and perhaps the city agrees too. That’s why they decided to settle on a reasonable amount, instead of prolonging the matter. 

If you’re living with a mental illness, getting an Emotional Support Animal could help your recovery. These loving animals could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your ESA letter in no time.


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