An unusual incident occurred in Memphis, Tennessee, where a dog inadvertently shot its owner while he was asleep in bed. The incident took place early on a Monday morning when the man, who was resting beside his female partner, experienced a graze wound to his left thigh as a result of the accidental discharge.
According to a police incident report, the dog involved in the incident is a one-year-old pit bull named Oreo. It was reported that Oreo jumped onto the bed, and in the process, managed to get its paw stuck in the trigger guard of a loaded firearm, inadvertently pulling the trigger and firing the weapon. Fortunately, the man received prompt medical attention for his injury and was treated at a local hospital.
While the police have confirmed the incident, they did not disclose the specific type of firearm that was involved. The authorities categorized the event as an accidental injury, highlighting the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it.
This incident is part of a broader conversation regarding gun safety and the risks associated with having firearms in households, particularly where pets are present. Although gun violence is a significant issue in the United States, cases of pets accidentally shooting their owners are relatively rare.
In previous years, there have been similar incidents that have raised eyebrows. For instance, two years ago, a German Shepherd accidentally shot and killed a 30-year-old man in Kansas after stepping on a hunting rifle. Additionally, in 2018, a 51-year-old man from Iowa was shot in the leg by his pit bull-Labrador mix in another accidental discharge.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership, including secure storage practices and ensuring that firearms are kept out of reach of pets and children. As discussions around gun safety continue, this case emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to avoid such accidents in the future.
