Mauled: 88 dog attacks on meter readers so far this year

Electricity meter readers are still coming under regular attack from vicious dogs despite bans on entering some properties. A worker was left with arm injuries after a pit bull jumped a fence in one of the latest incidents. TOP SUBURBS FOR ATTACKSWARNING: Graphic images

Electricity distributors Energex and Ergon have recorded 88 dog-related incidents across Queensland since the start of the year, including 23 cases requiring first aid and eight needing medical treatment.

One meter reader was hospitalised and there were 56 close calls.

While almost half of the incidents occurred in the northern region, 24 were in the Greater Brisbane area.

In one of the most recent cases, a Townsville worker received arm injuries after a pit bull jumped a fence and attacked him.

Energex executive general manager (customer), Michael Dart, said the meter reader needed medical treatment after being bitten, despite the dog’s owner assuring him it was safe to enter his property.

“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.

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

“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.

The injury inflicted by a pit bull on the Townsville meter reader.

“We’re seeing too many incidents where after our meter readers have confirmed it is safe to enter properties, the dogs have been able to escape from their enclosures or restraints.

“We’re asking you to take stock of how well your dog is secured when someone is just trying to do their job at your property, whether it’s reading or installing a meter, inspecting your electrical service wire or delivering a parcel.”

Ergon has been rolling out digital meters, leading to a 30 per cent drop in dog attack injuries inside properties.

But roaming or escaping dogs were still a major problem.

Injury from a dog attack on a meter reader.

In January 2019, Ergon also introduced a safe entry policy banning crews and meter readers from entering yards where there was a record of dogs on site and it was unclear if they were securely restrained.

The same year, Energex also banned its workers and meter readers from entering yards where dogs were not securely restrained.

And in March last year Ergon introduced a free SMS notification service for dog owners, who could register online to receive a text the day before their scheduled meter read.

Arm and leg wounds are the most common injuries suffered by meter readers.

“We’ve seen a rise in dog ownership since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s important to not only register your dog with the local Council, but also let service providers like Ergon and Energex know there’s a new dog at your address,’’ Mr Dart said.

“We have a 24/7 Customer Self Service portal on our website (energex.com.au/selfservice) where you can update your dog details, register for free SMS alerts to let you know when the meter reader is coming or submit an online self-meter read.’’

Dog owners can visit www.energex.com.au/safeentry for more information.