Tennessee Man Accidentally Shot by His Dog in Bizarre Incident

The unusual accident happened when Oreo, a one-year-old pit bull, got its paw caught in the trigger guard of a gun, causing it to fire.

According to reports from The Guardian, Jerald Kirkwood was in bed with his partner, with his gun lying beside him, when Oreo jumped up, setting off the weapon.

A bullet struck Kirkwood in the upper left thigh. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital, where he was treated and later reported to be in stable condition.

A Lesson in Gun Safety

Speaking to Memphis news station Fox 13, Kirkwood’s partner explained that Oreo is a playful dog who loves to jump and run around, and the gun simply discharged by accident.

When asked whether she woke up due to the dog’s movements or the gunshot, she admitted, “It was a combination of both.”

Following the accident, the couple emphasized the importance of gun safety in the home.
“Keep the safety on or use a trigger lock,” Kirkwood’s partner advised.

Police ruled the incident an accidental injury, and no action was taken against the dog or its owner.

Not the First Time

Surprisingly, this is not the first time a pet has unintentionally fired a gun.

• In 2018, an Iowa man, Richard Remme, was accidentally shot in the leg when his dog jumped on him, hitting the trigger of a gun he was carrying in his waistband.
• In 2019, former Louisiana State University football player Matt Branch lost his leg after his dog accidentally fired a shotgun left in the back of a truck during a hunting trip.

Gun Ownership and Accidental Injuries

This incident also shows broader concerns about gun safety in the U.S..

The nonprofit organization Brady: United Against Gun Violence reports that accidental gun injuries are the most common firearm-related injuries requiring hospitalization in the country.

A 2018 study on global gun ownership estimated that there are more firearms owned by civilians in the U.S. than there are people, with over 340 million guns in circulation.

While Kirkwood was lucky to escape with minor injuries, this bizarre accident serves as a reminder that responsible gun storage is essential—even when pets are around.

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