Fiancee of meter reader killed by dogs calls for coronial inquiry amid ongoing investigations

The fiancee of an Energex meter reader, who was mauled to death by two dogs at a Logan property in 2022, is speaking out as the investigation drags on.

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

The fiancee of an Energex meter reader who was fatally mauled by two dogs at a Logan property in 2022 has called for a coronial inquiry with investigations still ongoing.

Energex meter reader Kane Minion, 42, died after he was attacked by a bandog bull-mastiff and a rhodesian ridgeback-cross while working as an electricity contractor at a Greenbank home on December 3, 2022.

The dogs were humanely euthanised by Logan City Council shortly after the fatal attack, however, no charges have been laid or fines issued as police continue to prepare a report for the coroner.

Speaking nearly two years after the tragedy, Mr Minion’s fiancee Toni Baird said “we’re still left without answers – it’s as though his case has been forgotten”.

Police investigating the fatal dog attack in December 2022. Picture: David Clark

“The scenarios play out constantly in your mind – wondering why this happened, how it could have been prevented and if justice will ever be served,” she said.

Ms Baird said the lack of information had “robbed” her of the ability to “grieve properly”.

“I’m calling for a coronial inquiry, not only for Kane, but to bring about the change needed so this never happens again.”

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland conducted investigations into Mr Minion’s death and referred the matter to the Office of Workplace Health and Safety Prosecutions (OWHSP) which determined “no prima facie case was disclosed against any duty holder for any offences contrary to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)”.

“This decision was not a result of any deficiency in the investigation or the supplied brief of evidence, which was of an exceptionally high standard,” an OWHSP spokesperson said.

Asked about this decision, Ms Baird said: “Given my views on worker protection and owner responsibility, I was deeply upset by the prosecutor’s decision to not hold any party accountable”.

A bandog bull-mastiff and a rhodesian ridgeback cross were euthanised after the death of Kane Minion. Picture: Nine News

“I don’t want what happened to Kane to be swept under the carpet and with decisions like this, others in this line of work continue to be at risk,” she said.

At the time of the fatal attack, The Sunday Mail sighted a sign on the fence that read: “Warning – Guard dogs on duty”, however, meter readers had reportedly 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.

Ms Baird said she was “triggered” by “repeated” dog attacks, including a Townsville resident whose arm was torn off by her own dog just last month.

“It’s painful to think of other families going through that same fear and trauma, and it’s a reminder of the danger that still exists,” she said.

“The only way to bring change and force dog owners to take responsibility for their pets is to ensure they face tougher consequences if their dogs ever turn on humans.

The fatal dog attack occurred at an Ison Road property in Greenbank. Picture David Clark

“Life now feels hollow and empty … I think about Kane every day, constantly reminded of how he should still be here with me … we would have been married by now, building our lives together.

“I haven’t moved on … it feels as if I’m damaged goods to be avoided … the isolation only makes the loss worse.”

Ms Baird’s lawyer, Travis Schultz & Partners managing partner Travis Schultz, said under Queensland law, pet owners could be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets.

“In time, the introduction of smart meters will remove the need for meter reading to be done at all, but that won’t end the need for pet owners to be responsible,” he said.

“If a dog owner knows that their pet has aggressive or troublesome tendencies but fails to take appropriate steps to manage the risk of their dog causing harm, then they can be legally liable for damages resulting from injuries caused by their animal.”