Dog Accidentally Shoots Owner in Bizarre Bedroom Incident
A 53-year-old man from Shillington, Pennsylvania, is recovering after being shot in the back by his own dog in a bizarre freak accident that underscores the critical importance of shotgun safety.
The incident unfolded late on a Tuesday evening when the man, whose identity has not been released, was cleaning his shotgun inside his home on the 300 block of State Street. According to the Shillington Police Department, the man had placed the weapon on his bed when his dog, seemingly interpreting the action as an invitation, jumped up onto the mattress.
Chaotic Scene and Emergency Response
The canine's movement unintentionally caused the shotgun to discharge. The man's son, who was in a different room at the time, immediately called emergency services at 11.13pm.
Corporal Michael Schoone of the Shillington Police recounted the initial confusion, stating, "Reports came in originally that they didn't know who the shooter was and it was a shotgun wound to the lower back." While officers were en route, they received the startling update that a dog had jumped up onto the bed, causing the shotgun to go off and strike the man.
A spent shell casing was later discovered inside the weapon. Police confirmed that the man was unsure what specific stage of the cleaning process he was in when the accident occurred.
Investigation and Safety Warnings
The investigation into the precise mechanics of the discharge is ongoing. Corporal Schoone presented two potential scenarios to WFMZ, noting, "It's unsure if the dog's paw may have gotten caught inside the trigger and the safety was off or if there was some sort of manufacturer malfunction."
He described the event as a "perfect storm" of unfortunate circumstances, adding, "It was just the right place at the right time, or the wrong time." Despite the unusual nature of the accident, law enforcement emphasised fundamental firearm safety rules. "Obviously, you should be treating every weapon as if it's loaded," Schoone advised. "All the cardinal rules: keeping it in a safe direction, finger off the trigger."
Following the shooting, the man was rushed to a hospital where he underwent an initial surgery. Reports indicate his injuries required a second, follow-up operation, though the full extent of his condition remains unclear. Police have stated the event appears to be a tragic accident and no charges are expected to be filed.
