Police: Dog may have shot owner

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Police said a dog may have inadvertently fired a shotgun at its owner during a duck hunting expedition on the coast of Oregon.

Investigators said Matthew Markum, 23, and his 20-year-old brother were outside of an 11-foot open aluminum boat Saturday when Markum's 12-gauge shotgun -- which had been left inside the boat with the brothers' yellow Labrador -- discharged and fired a round through the left side of the boat, KPTV, Portland, Ore., reported Monday.

Police said the round struck Markum in the leg. They said Markum's brother helped him to shore and an ambulance soon arrived to take the injured hunter to Tillamook County General Hospital. He was later transferred to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.

Markum's father said the shotgun fired after the dog jumped into the boat. Oregon State Police Sgt. Todd Hoodenpyl said the shotgun's safety was not on at the time of the incident.