A Tennessee man was accidentally shot by his dog while lying in bed early Monday morning. According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a call about an accidental injury just before 4 a.m. on Whitney Avenue.

The victim, Jerald Kirkwood, said he was in bed with his girlfriend when their pet Pitbull, Oreo, jumped and unintentionally set off a firearm."The dog is playful and likes to jump around, and the gun just went off," his girlfriend told FOX13.

Authorities said the dog’s paw got caught in the trigger guard, causing the gun to fire. The bullet grazed Jerald Kirkwood’s upper left thigh. Officers found a spent shell casing on the front room floor. A friend of Kirkwood called it a “freak incident,” telling local media that the dog’s jump accidentally set off the gun.

Police classified the case as an accidental injury. Kirkwood was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. His girlfriend, who left with the gun after the incident, said they now plan to be more cautious with firearms at home. “Keep the safety on or use a trigger lock,” she advised.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security urges gun owners to store firearms safely and securely. Guns and ammunition should be locked away separately to prevent access by children or unauthorized individuals. Proper storage helps avoid accidents and ensures responsible gun ownership.

Authorities also remind people to treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point it in a safe direction, and never touch the trigger unless ready to fire. Also, firearms should never be used while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that affects judgment, as this can lead to dangerous situations.

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