Dog Shoots Owner While Riding Shotgun

A dog reportedly shot its owner in a strange tale out of Florida. The dog may have taken riding shotgun too literally when it set off a loaded gun that Gregory Dale Lanier was transporting in his car.

As the two drove, the dog accidentally kicked the gun, firing a bullet into Lanier's leg. The gun owner says that he thought the weapon was not loaded at the time, reports Yahoo! News.

Florida police took the time to report that they "did not arrest the dog." But can the same be said for the gun owner?

To add insult to injury, Lanier could actually face criminal charges for violating Florida gun laws.

Gun laws are very strict and typically govern situations in which someone can carry a gun, loaded or unloaded. In Florida, the statutes are very detailed and enumerate specific circumstances when someone can carry a gun, including riding while riding in a vehicle.

The law provides that it may be lawful for someone to carry a weapon in a vehicle without a license if the weapon is "securely encased" or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. The law further defines "securely encased" to mean that the weapon is secured inside a glove compartment (whether or not locked), snapped in a holster, in a gun case (whether or not locked), in a zippered gun case, or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover.

It was not reported if Lanier had a license for the weapon. It also was not reported exactly how the gun was placed in the vehicle. But given the fact that the dog was able to somehow set off the firearm, it appears doubtful that the weapon was properly stored.

As authorities continue to investigate the incident, Lanier can rest assured in knowing that he is not the first person to be shot by his dog. Just last year, a hunter in France was shot by his dog while hunting, reports Yahoo! News. The hunter had to have his arm amputated following the shooting.

Related Resources:

• Dog Shoots Owner Gregory Lanier While Driving; Police Say They Will Not Arrest Dog (International Business Times)
• Hunting Dogs Shoot Owners, Get Revenge for Deer, Ducks (FindLaw's Legally Weird)
• Gun Laws (FindLaw)
• Which States Allow Guns in Schools? (FindLaw's Blotter)