A Tennessee man was accidentally shot in bed by his own dog in a bizarre incident that highlights the importance of firearm safety in pet-owning households.
The shooting occurred in Memphis when Jerald Kirkwood was lying in bed with his one-year-old pit bull, Oreo, and a female companion. According to local reports, the dog accidentally discharged a firearm after stepping on it, causing a bullet to graze Kirkwood’s left thigh. His companion, who has not been named, reportedly fled the scene with the weapon before authorities arrived. Kirkwood was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for a minor injury and later released.
Memphis police confirmed that the incident was unintentional and that the investigation remains open. The unusual case adds to a small but notable list of similar incidents where animals have triggered firearms. In 2023, a man in Kansas was fatally shot when his dog stepped on a hunting rifle, while in 2018, an Iowa man was wounded in the leg under similar circumstances.
Experts stress that firearm safety is crucial in households with pets. Gun owners are advised to store firearms in secure locations, use trigger locks, and engage safety mechanisms when weapons are not in use.
While rare, such accidents serve as a reminder that even playful pets can unknowingly cause dangerous situations when firearms are easily accessible.
