Mauled to death Energex meter reader Kane Minion had plans to elope

The heartbroken fiancee of an Energex meter reader who was killed by two dogs in a savage attack has revealed the couple spoke of plans to elope just hours before his death.

The heartbroken fiancee of an Energex meter reader killed in a savage dog attack has revealed the couple spoke of plans to elope just hours before the 42-year-old was mauled.

Kane Minion died after he was attacked by a bandog bull mastiff and a Rhodesian ridgeback cross while working as an electricity contractor at a Greenbank property on December 3.

Kane Minion with his fiancee Toni Baird

In her first interview since the tragedy, his fiancee Toni Baird has revealed that the sudden and unexpected death of her “soulmate” had “rocked” the perfect life the couple had built for over a decade.

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

Ms Baird said the couple planned to get married at Christmas Creek in October last year but decided to postpone their plans.

“When we postponed, both our families said why don’t you just elope?” she said.

“That morning (of his death) I was actually talking to him saying I’ve found a celebrant; I’ll give her a call.”

Kane Minion was an animal lover, particularly dogs. Picture: Supplied

Ms Baird said the way in which Mr Minion, an avid dog lover, died had left family and friends bewildered.

“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.

“It definitely was a big shock. All day, that weekend I didn’t have to work so I was doing the usual … cleaning the house, doing the washing.

“I was about to go out and do the groceries when I got told.”

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

Ms Baird said Mr Minion proposed on December 24, 2021, 10 years after they had met while “working out bush”.

“I’m not sure whether it was love at first sight but I think we both liked each other the moment we met,” she said.

Toni Baird and Kane Minion. Picture: Supplied

“(Kane) had it set in his mind that he wanted an expensive ring but I told him no I would rather use that money on a house … it definitely took him a while (to propose) – everyone was on his case.

“We were a package deal – you’d never get one without the other – we were pretty much inseparable other than when we were at work – he would always call me wifey.”

Flowers left at the Greenbank property where Kane Minion was killed. Picture: John Gass

Ms Baird said she has struggled to navigate life without her “rock”.

She said Mr Minion’s family had decided to stay with her for a while and that she had tried to keep busy.

“At Christmas, I went away with family just because they didn’t want me home – I’ve been doing little jobs just to keep myself busy,” she said.

“(Kane) was larger than life – just a genuine person.

“He always knew how to cheer me up when I was upset or if I’d had a bad day – he was always my rock and I was his.”

A police officer and an Energex worker at the scene following the tragic death of Kane Minion. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Ms Baird said her relationship with Mr Minion was “always easy” and “we complemented each other”.

Queensland Police said investigations into the incident are continuing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Police at the front of the Greenbank property where Kane Minion was killed. Picture: David Clark

The two dogs that viciously attacked and killed Mr Minion were euthanised.

Logan City Council said they would continue to advocate for tougher dangerous dog legislation following Mr Minion’s death, including sharing all information relating to the location of menacing or dangerous dogs with relevant stakeholders in the City of Logan.

Mr Minion entered the Greenbank 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.

He was lying unconscious when emergency services arrived, but he could not be saved.

The sign at the front of the property where Kane Minion was killed. Picture: John Gass

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

It is understood that meter readers had visited the Greenbank property on several occasions, with the dogs usually restrained behind a secondary fence.

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.