Gunplay Unintended: Pit Bull’s Leap Goes Awry
Accidental Shot
A peculiar incident in Memphis, Tennessee, has left a man with a graze to his left thigh, courtesy of his own pet. The trigger-happy pit bull, Oreo, managed to set off a loaded gun after jumping on its owner’s bed, causing an accidental injury. The mishap occurred early Monday morning, with the owner sleeping beside his female partner at the time.
Paw-some Prank Turns Deadly
According to a police incident report, Oreo, a year-old pit bull, got his paw stuck in the trigger guard and unintentionally hit the trigger. The report classified the incident as an "accidental injury." The type of weapon used was not specified.
Rarity of Animal-Triggered Gunplay
While gun violence is a persistent issue in the United States, cases of animals inadvertently shooting humans are relatively rare. Two notable instances include a German shepherd that shot and killed a 30-year-old man in Kansas in 2023, and a pit bull-Labrador mix that shot a 51-year-old man in the leg in 2018, both in separate incidents.
Lessons Learned
The victim’s girlfriend, who was sleeping at the time of the incident, has shared her takeaways from the experience. "The dog is a playful dog, and he likes to jump around and stuff like that, and it just went off," she said. Her advice? "Keep the safety on or use a trigger lock."
Conclusion
This unusual incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of gun safety and responsible pet ownership. As the world grapples with the complex issues surrounding gun violence, it is crucial to prioritize education and awareness to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the incident?
A: A pit bull named Oreo accidentally set off a loaded gun while jumping on its owner’s bed, causing the owner to be shot in the leg.
Q: What was the outcome of the incident?
A: The owner suffered a graze to his left thigh, which was treated in hospital.
Q: Are animal-triggered gunplay incidents common?
A: No, such incidents are relatively rare, with a few notable exceptions in the United States.
Q: What did the victim’s girlfriend learn from the experience?
A: She advised keeping the safety on or using a trigger lock to prevent similar incidents.