Energex calls for dogs to be restrained and a focus on safe entry after meter reader mauled by dog

Dogs are still escaping and posing a threat to Energex staff, months after a meter reader was tragically mauled to death by a bandog bull mastiff and a Rhodesian ridgeback cross, renewing calls for owners to do the right thing.

Kane Minion, 42, who was killed after being attacked by dogs while working as a meter reader at a property at Greenbank and his fiancee Toni Baird.

Energex has called on people to restrain their dogs in a bid for them to sharpen their focus on safe entry to properties months after a meter reader was tragically mauled to death by two dogs.

Kane Minion, 42, died while he was working at a Greenbank property on December 3 trying to read an electrical meter when he was attacked by two dogs.

After the incident Energex has tried to sharpen their focus on safe entry.

Energex Meter readers are required to assess safety risks before entering and if they can’t see dogs restrained they won’t enter.

Kane Minion, 42, was killed after being attacked by dogs while working as a meter reader at a property at Greenbank.

“Despite heightened awareness around safe entry, unfortunately we are still seeing incidents where dogs have been able to escape and pose a threat to our people and others in the community,” Energex General Manager of Customer Operations Cloe Kernick said.

“In January a Townsville meter reader was left shaken, but thankfully unscathed, after two dogs were able to burst through the front gate.”

Ms Kernick said owners can submit online self-meter reads and update their dog details on an online customer self-service portal.

“Information provided by customers helps us make an assessment on whether it’s safe to enter a property, so it’s important that these details are accurate,” she said.

“Safety is everyone’s business and we appreciate the community’s support.”

Mr Minion died after he was attacked by a bandog bull mastiff and a Rhodesian ridgeback cross.

Kane Minion, 42, who was killed after being attacked by dogs while working as a meter reader at a property at Greenbank and his fiancee Toni Baird

His fiancee Toni Baird previously told the Courier Mail she was rocked by what had happened.

“He always loved animals – even his family have said that he always had a way with dogs. I think that’s what makes it so unbelievable that that’s how it happened,” she said.

“I’m still in a lot of shock – I just can’t believe it happened – I just feel really empty and lost.”