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Townsville top location for on the job dog attacks on Ergon Energy workers

Townsville’s shocking number of dog attacks on meter readers have been revealed. Find out where the most attacks happened >>

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A TOWNSVILLE meter reader was left with a “shocking wound” after a dog jumped a fence and attacked him on the job.

The Ergon Energy meter reader was bitten on the arm last week by the pit bull shortly after the owner had assured him it was safe to enter the property.

Ergon Executive general manager Michael Dart said the meter reader, who wished to remain anonymous, needed medical treatment after the bite.

“The meter reader is nursing a shocking wound and was understandably shaken by this incident where the dog was able to jump a secondary fence that was separating it from the work area,” Mr Dart said.

Townsville Ergon Energy meter reader was left with a shocking wound after a pitbull jumped a fence and bit him on the arm while on the job.
Townsville Ergon Energy meter reader was left with a shocking wound after a pitbull jumped a fence and bit him on the arm while on the job.

“It reinforces our appeals to dog owners to take the community’s safety seriously and ensure their pets cannot jump or dig underneath fences, or bust down doors or escape from their enclosures.”

The attack comes as Ergon and Energex recorded 88 dog-related incidents across the state since the start of the year, including 23 cases which required first aid, eight medical treatment injuries, one hospitalisation and 56 close calls.

Northern Queensland:

  • Townsville: 11
  • Cairns: 9
  • Dysart: 3
  • Goondi Hill: 1
  • Home Hill: 1
  • Ingham: 2
  • Mackay: 5
  • Malanda: 1
  • Mareeba: 1
  • Normanton: 1
  • Proserpine: 3
  • Thursday island: 1
  • Yalboroo: 1
    Total attacks 40
A Townsville Ergon Energy worker sustained a nasty bite after an on the job dog attack.
A Townsville Ergon Energy worker sustained a nasty bite after an on the job dog attack.
The result of a dog attack on an Ergon Energy worker in Queensland.
The result of a dog attack on an Ergon Energy worker in Queensland.

South-East Queensland:

  • Brisbane: 9
  • Carina Heights: 1
  • Chermside: 1
  • Forest Glen: 1
  • Geebung: 4
  • Jimboomba: 1
  • Logan village: 1
  • Maroochydore: 2
  • Meadowbrook: 1
  • Norman Park: 1
  • Redland Bay: 1
  • Southport: 2
  • Tarragindi: 1
    Total attacks 26
Ergon Energy worker with a dog attack inflicted wound in Queensland.
Ergon Energy worker with a dog attack inflicted wound in Queensland.


The result of a dog attack on an Ergon Energy worker in Queensland.
The result of a dog attack on an Ergon Energy worker in Queensland.



Southern Queensland:

  • Biloela: 1
  • Dalby: 1
  • Harristown: 2
  • Kingaroy: 2
  • Leyburn: 1
  • Middlemount: 1
  • Miriam Vale: 1
  • Monto: 1
  • Newtown: 1
  • North Gregory: 1
  • Park Avenue: 1
  • Rockhampton: 1
  • Svensson Heights (Bundaberg): 2
  • Tara: 1
  • Tinana: 1
  • Toolooa: 3
  • Torquay: 1

Total attacks 22

Mr Dart urged customers to help put a stop to preventable dog attacks by updating their customer details.

“We need your help to stop meter readers, power workers, and other people simply going about their business in the community from being attacked or feeling threatened by dogs,” he said.

katie.hall@news.com.au

Originally published as Townsville top location for on the job dog attacks on Ergon Energy workers

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/townsville/townsville-ergon-energy-meter-reader-attacked-by-pit-bull-while-on-the-job/news-story/39181e0493d8d5dd8387befd3010f9db