In a bizarre incident in Memphis, Tennessee, a man was accidentally shot by his pet dog while he was lying in bed. The strange occurrence highlights the dangers brought by unattended, unsecured firearms and the unpredictable temperament of pets. This article covers the incident in detail, as well as other incidents in which animals have accidentally fired guns.
The Incident in Memphis
On a Monday morning, a guy named Jerald Kirkwood was resting in bed when his one-year-old pit bull, Oreo, hopped onto the bed. In the process, Oreo’s paw got caught in the trigger guard of a gun nearby, and the weapon accidentally discharged. The bullet tore through Kirkwood’s left thigh, but luckily, it was not life-threatening.
What Happened Before the Shooting
The incident happened early in the morning while Kirkwood was in bed. Oreo tended to be a rambunctious dog, so a loaded gun near the edge of the bed made it all the more dangerous.
The Role of the Dog
Oreo was described as a playful, energetic dog who inadvertently triggered the gun by his paw caught in the trigger guard. This action led to the firearm discharging and injuring Kirkwood.
Immediate Aftermath
Following the shooting, Kirkwood’s female friend left the scene with the gun. Kirkwood was taken for treatment to a hospital, where he was said to be in stable condition.
Police Response
The Memphis Police Department responded to the incident and classified it as an accidental injury. They found one spent shell casing on the floor and confirmed that the gun had been removed from the scene by Kirkwood’s friend.
Legal Implications
Tennessee does not have any specific laws requiring gun owners to secure their firearms. However, officials emphasize the importance of safely securing guns and preventing such accidents.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked discussions about gun safety and the importance of properly storing firearms. The woman involved in the incident has highlighted the need for safety mechanisms like trigger locks.
Similar Incidents
This is not the first incident of a dog accidentally firing a gun. There have been several instances in the U.S. where pets have triggered guns, often resulting in injuries or fatalities.
Case in Iowa
In 2018, a man in Iowa was shot in the leg after his pit bull-Labrador mix accidentally triggered the gun. The man had been roughhousing with his dog, Balew, when his gun, which was tucked into his waistband, discharged.
Case in Kansas
In 2023, a man was killed during a hunting trip when his dog accidentally discharged a rifle. These incidents highlight the importance of exercising caution with regard to gunfire when animals are present.
Case in New Mexico
In another incident, a man in New Mexico was shot by his dog, a 120-pound rottweiler mix, when the dog’s paw became trapped in the trigger of a rifle. The man suffered serious injuries, including broken bones.
Resposible Gun Ownership
The incident involving Oreo and Kirkwood serves as a reminder of responsible gun ownership and the potential dangers of keeping unsecured firearms around pets. It highlights the importance of gun owners being vigilant in preventing instances such as this from happening again.
