Energex contractor mauled to death in horror dog attack south of Brisbane

Images have emerged of the moment two dogs were seized from the property where Logan electricity meter reader Kane Minion was mauled to death.

• Pictured: Energex contractor died just before major milestone

A Logan electricity meter reader was mauled to death by two dogs in a horrifying attack at a hinterland home on Saturday.

Kane Minion, 42, had gone to a sprawling acreage property at Ison Rd, Greenbank, on Saturday morning to read the electricity meter when he was set upon by two dogs that inflicted devastating injuries.

Images emerged overnight of the moment two dogs were seized from the property.

Dogs seized after mauling man to death. Picture 9 News

Mr Minion was lying unconscious when emergency services arrived just before 11am, but there was nothing they could do to save him.

The dogs, which had no history of violence or previous incidents, were seized by officers from Logan City Council’s animal care division and will remain in a council pound until the conclusion of investigations into the tragedy.

A dog is seized by an officer from the Logan City Council’s animal care division.

Mr Minion had worked as a meter reader for Downer’s Skilltech metering business, a contractor for Energex, for more than seven years.

The company paid tribute to the popular worker.

“Downer is extremely saddened by this tragic loss,” the company said in a statement.

“Kane was a popular member of the team.

People at the property are seen embracing after the tragedy. Picture David Clark

“Downer extends our deepest sympathies to Kane’s family, and we will support them through this incredibly difficult time.”

Mr Minion, himself an avid dog lover, had entered the property via the front gate on a long, winding driveway leading to the home, but it was unclear whether he was attacked as he was arriving or leaving the address.

Police at the scene of the fatal mauling. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Two dogs at the property – a bandog-bull mastiff cross and a Rhodesian ridgeback cross – were seized by council officers, while another older dog was not taken away.

The owners of the property were not home at the time.

The Sunday Mail sighted a sign on the fence reading, “Warning – Guard dogs on duty.”

It is understood meter readers had visited the property many times over several years, with the dogs usually restrained behind a secondary fence closer to the house.

Energex has a “safe entry” policy, under which workers are instructed not to enter a property unless they can confirm any dogs present are restrained or contained.

Kevin Lavender, Energex’s area manager for Brisbane South, said the tragedy was devastating for everyone involved.

“These are situations that affect a lot of people and our hearts go out to his family and workmates,” he said.

“We all go to work every day with safety front of mind but sometimes something completely unexpected can occur.

“We have full faith in police and relevant authorities to investigate this terrible and heartbreaking situation and we of course will work closely with them to gain a full understanding of what led to today.”

A sign at the property. Picture David Clark

The Electrical Trades Union on Sunday released a statement and said it would work with Energex and sub-contractors to ensure safety for meter readers to avoid another tragedy.

“It’s a tragedy,” ETU assistant secretary and supply industry co-ordinator Stuart Traill said.

“Coming home after a day’s work should be a guarantee.

“We will be working with Energex and its subcontractors to understand how this happened and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

The ETU said it would be part of the investigation into the incident and as a result there would be new processes to keep meter readers safe at work.

“We will be there to make sure any new or existing processes are followed,” said Mr Traill.

“One death at work is too many. We must make sure this is the last.”

ETU state secretary Peter Ong said the death should have never happened.

“We will be part of the investigation into the accident from beginning to end and make sure processes are put in place to avoid another incident like this happening anywhere across the state,” he said.

Acting Inspector Gary Worrell addresses the media. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Acting Inspector Gary Worrell from Queensland Police confirmed a police investigation had been launched while Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has also started a probe into the incident.

“Our hearts go out to the family,” Acting Inspector Worrell said.

“And it’s also a difficult time for the owners of the residence.”

Resident Kevin Cunnington, who lives near the property, said it had been an absolute tragedy.

“It’s terrible, right before Christmas,” he said.

“Poor bloke doing his job and now he’s dead.”