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 came unannounced, wandered 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 he was going to hit him with his wrench. How do I keep utility people off my property? Who should I report him to 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 that your utility worker really wasn’t trespassing. Most states have passed laws to protect public workers who, by definition of their jobs, need to go into 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 are in Oklahoma, you should know that your state passed HB2813 in 2006, which protects these professionals from dog attacks and penalizes dog owners who allow their dog to attack these employees (this bill talks about of fines and possible imprisonment for dog owners). So now let’s make peace with the good utility guy, he’s got a tough job. He suggests that you call the utility company and ask when they routinely need to enter his property so that he can keep Brutus in a safe place. Utility companies welcome these calls and will work with you to schedule a safe time for your employees to visit you.
This is not a battle you will win, so let’s ALL be friends… Good luck DogMan.