Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
SHILLINGTON, PA — In an unusual incident, a 53-year-old resident of Shillington, Pennsylvania, was hospitalized after his pet dog unintentionally discharged a shotgun, injuring him in the back. This strange event took place late Tuesday night while he was cleaning his firearm at home.
As per local authorities, the man was alert when he reached out to his son for assistance. Upon arrival, police found him on the floor, and he was promptly taken to Reading Hospital for treatment, where surgery was performed. Officials have indicated that a follow-up operation is necessary for complete recovery.
“We were informed that the dog had jumped on the bed, causing the shotgun to go off,” stated Corporal Michael Schoone from the Shillington Police Department. He mentioned that it's uncertain whether the dog hit the trigger or if there was a malfunction with the firearm that contributed to the event.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern, with similar cases reported across the United States. Notably, a dog in Memphis stepped on a loaded shotgun in March, causing it to fire, and in Kansas, a German shepherd fatally shot a man back in 2018.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the Shillington event, emphasizing the critical need for stringent firearm safety protocols, especially in homes with pets.
The man is on the path to recovery, and police urge gun owners to ensure proper storage of firearms to avert such accidents, particularly when children or animals may be present.
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