A bizarre incident in Pennsylvania has raised fresh concerns about firearm safety after a man claimed his own dog accidentally shot him. The man, who was struck in the lower back, told police that the gun discharged when his dog jumped onto the bed where the shotgun had been placed moments earlier.

What the Pennsylvania man says happened

A 53-year-old resident of Shillington told police he had just finished cleaning his shotgun and set it down on the bed when his dog suddenly leapt onto the mattress. According to his statement, the dog’s movement somehow triggered the weapon, sending a round into his lower back.

The man’s son was home at the time and immediately called emergency services. He was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries.

Local authorities say the exact sequence of events remains unclear, including:

• Whether the safety was off
• Whether the dog’s paw could have slipped into the trigger guard
• Whether the firearm malfunctioned in some way

What investigators say about the incident

Shillington Police Cpl. Michael Schoone told local outlet WFMZ that investigators are still piecing together what set off the gun. While they do not suspect foul play at this stage, they say the situation highlights how unpredictable firearms can be when left unsecured or improperly handled.

Schoone noted that the victim was uncertain about the stage of cleaning he was in before the incident, making it difficult to determine how chambered the weapon was or whether the safety was engaged.

Police have described the situation as a “perfect storm” — a split-second mix of an unsecured firearm, a jumping dog, and a moment of inattention.

Why are police using this case to warn about gun safety

Authorities say the incident is a reminder that even experienced gun owners can make mistakes during cleaning, storage, or routine handling. They emphasized several key safety principles that apply in every setting, including homes with pets:

Always treat every firearm as loaded

Even if the gun has just been cleaned or unloaded, the assumption should be that it can still discharge.

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction

Setting a firearm on a soft surface like a bed increases the risk of accidental movement or misalignment.

Keep fingers, paws, and objects away from the trigger

Many accidental shootings occur when the trigger is unintentionally depressed by animals, clothing, or nearby objects.

Store firearms securely, even during cleaning breaks

Stopping mid-cleaning to rest the weapon on a bed or couch can create unpredictable situations.

Why accidental shootings involving pets are more common than people think

While this Pennsylvania case is unusually dramatic, similar incidents occur each year in the US. Hunting dogs accidentally discharging weapons have been documented in several states, and in rare cases, pets stepping on unsecured firearms have led to injuries.

Experts say many of these accidents stem from the same root causes:

• Loaded weapons left on the ground or on furniture
• Safety mechanisms turned off during cleaning or maintenance
• Pets moving unpredictably around unsecured firearms

What happens next in the investigation

Police have indicated they are confident the shooting was accidental, but they are continuing to examine the firearm and collect statements from those present. They are also reviewing whether any safety protocols were violated and whether any follow-up action or guidance should be given to the owner.

For now, authorities hope the case serves as a public reminder that firearms should never be left in a condition where a pet—or a child—could inadvertently cause them to fire.

TL;DR

• A Pennsylvania man says his dog accidentally triggered his shotgun after he placed it on his bed.
• He was shot in the lower back and required surgery.
• Police say the exact cause remains unclear, but they believe it was an accident.
• The case has prompted renewed warnings about strict firearm safety.