Big problem if your dog bites a utility worker on your property

Q: We have three dogs that are inside and outside dogs. During the day we have them outside playing while we are at work. The problem we have is not with the dogs, but with the utility company that came to do some work in my yard last week. Two of my dogs are very friendly, but one is very mean (Teaky). The utility man showed up unannounced, got into the backyard and got trapped because Teaky wouldn’t let him move from the gas meter. He was home sick and I had to rescue the worker. He threatened my dog ​​and said that if he came near him he was going to hit him with his wrench. How do I keep utility people off my property? To whom should I report him for his threat? I think he should lose his job, since he was trespassing. Lori in Oklahoma City, OK.

A: Lori – Lori – Lori… The truth is, your utility worker really wasn’t trespassing. Most states have passed laws to protect public workers who, by definition of their jobs, need to enter your backyard or walk through your front yard, etc. The truth is that they are attacked by dogs on a daily basis, and they need to be protected, just as much as you do. His dog was doing his job, as was the utility person. Nice combo!

Since you’re in Oklahoma, you should know that your state passed HB2813 in 2006, which protects these professionals from dog attacks and punishes dog owners who allow their dog to attack these employees (this bill speaks of fines and possible imprisonment for dog owners). So now let’s make it up to the nice guy from utilities, he’s got a tough job. He suggested that you call the utility company and ask when they routinely have to enter his property, so he can keep Brutus in a safe place. Utility companies welcome these calls and will work with you to schedule a safe time for their employees to visit you.

This is not a battle you will win, so let’s ALL be friends… Good luck, DogMan.

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