Dog shoots Sonny Gilligan owner while hunting for rabbits.
A 74-year-old man is in the hospital after his dog shot him during a hunting trip.
After the shooting, Sonny Gilligan called 911. Dona Ana County deputies heard quite the story as they saved his life.
“He was done; he would’ve died. I can’t say enough about the sheriff’s deputies because without them my dad was dead,” said Sonny’s son, Mark Gilligan.
Mark said it’s normal for his dad to take his three dogs, Charlie, Cowboy and Scooby, hunting for jack rabbits near Las Cruces. In fact, he says his dad feeds the trio the rabbits as a treat.
His dad says he was sitting in the truck, his rifle in the backseat, when Charlie’s paw got caught in the trigger.
The bullet went through the seat, and Sonny was shot in the back. Even though Charlie could’ve killed him, Sonny said, he’s forgiven his pet.
Mark said, “He spoils his dogs, you know. He calls them his boys. He’s very fond of his animals.”
After the accident, Mark said the three dogs were taken into a county shelter. He said, even in critical condition, his dad was concerned about getting his dogs out of what he called “doggie jail.”
Sonny Gilligan was flown to El Paso from the shooting scene. He’s recently been moved out of intensive care.
