Gregory Dale Lanier, Florida Man, Shot By Dog Wielding 'Unloaded' Pistol: Police

Florida Man Shot By Dog, Police Rule Shooting Accidental

Bad, Fido!

Man's best friend apparently was feeling a little less friendly this weekend, according to police in Highlands County, Fla.

Highlands Today reports that Gregory Dale Lanier, 35, was shot by his dog while traveling in his truck Sunday.

According Highlands Today, Lanier told authorities that he didn't realize his .380 pistol was loaded, until his dog kicked the weapon, firing a round into Lanier's leg. "Lanier said he heard boom, saw smoke and felt a burning in his leg," Sebring Police Commander Steve Carr explained.

Police have ruled the shooting accidental and did not detain the dog for questioning. No word on whether Lanier gave him a treat when they returned home, however.

As chance would have it, a similar dog-shoots-master situation occurred in Florida in December 2011.

Billy E. Brown, 78, was shot in the thigh by his dog as he drove to a deer-hunting spot in Pasco County. The bulldog, named Eli, apparently became excited and knocked into the rifle.

More often than not, this type of accidental shooting occurs while hunting, as evidenced by several instances in the past year. In September, a hunter in France had to have his right hand amputated after his dog fired his gun while apparently attempting to "cuddle" his master, reports the BBC.

"It wasn't the dog's fault," the hunter later told radio station France Bleu, per ABC News.

In 2011, a man in Utah was shot in the buttocks while duck hunting with his dog, according to The Telegraph. The hunter was not seriously injured, although The Telegraph noted that his pride may have been wounded somewhat.

(Hat tip, Raw Story)

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