Pennsylvania Man Injured as Dog Accidentally Discharges Shotgun

Post by : Raina Nasser

SHILLINGTON, PA — In a peculiar turn of events, a 53-year-old resident of Shillington, Pennsylvania, was hospitalized after his pet dog inadvertently fired a shotgun, hitting him in the back. This unusual accident unfolded late Tuesday night while the man was in the process of cleaning his weapon at home.

Local authorities reported that the man was alert when he reached out to his son for assistance. Emergency responders found him on the floor and swiftly took him to Reading Hospital, where he underwent surgery. It has been confirmed that he will require an additional operation for complete recovery.

“Upon arriving at the scene, we learned that the dog had leapt onto the bed, triggering the shotgun’s discharge,” said Corporal Michael Schoone from the Shillington Police Department. The circumstances remain unclear as to whether the dog activated the trigger or a malfunction of the firearm played a role in the event.

This incident is not unique; the U.S. has recorded several similar cases in recent years. Notable examples include a March incident in Memphis where a dog stepped on a loaded shotgun, resulting in discharge, and a 2018 case in Kansas where a German shepherd accidentally shot and killed a man.

Investigators are currently probing the specifics of the Shillington case, highlighting the crucial need for stringent firearm safety measures, especially in homes with pets.

The injured man is on the mend, and police have issued a reminder for gun owners to securely store their firearms to avert accidents, particularly in the presence of children or animals.