A Pennsylvania dog owner is recovering from a gunshot wound after his pet accidentally caused a shotgun to discharge in his home, according to reports.
Police say a 53-year-old Shillington resident was cleaning his shotgun in the 300 block of State Street on Tuesday, Nov. 11, shortly after 11 p.m. He placed the firearm on his bed, where one of his dogs then jumped onto the mattress and set off the weapon, WFMZ reported.
Cpl. Michael Schoone with the Shillington Police Department told the outlet that officers were notified while responding that the dog’s jump caused the gun to fire, striking the man.
Schoone explained that the exact circumstances remain unclear. The owner could not confirm how far along he was in the cleaning process, so it is unknown whether the dog’s paw may have made contact with the trigger while the safety was off, or if there was a mechanical issue.
The man’s son was home at the time and called for help. The victim was transported to Reading Hospital and underwent surgery. ABC News noted that he was conscious and on the floor when police arrived.
Schoone emphasized the importance of firearm safety, noting the basic rules: always treat a gun as if it is loaded, keep it pointed in a safe direction, and keep fingers away from the trigger. He described the situation as an unfortunate “perfect storm.”
Police confirmed the incident remains under investigation.
