Pet owners are being urged to make sure their dogs are restrained, with a rise in attacks on Ergon workers.
There has been 17 incidents this year where crews have been forced to escape a property in Townsville quickly due to a dangerous dog.
Ergon’s Cloe Kernick is pleading with owners to lock up their dogs.
“Despite heightened awareness around safe entry, unfortunately we are still seeing incidents where dogs have been able to escape and pose a threat to our people and others in the community,” she says.
“In January, a Townsville meter reader was left shaken, but thankfully unscathed, after two dogs were able to burst through the front gate.”
Locals can help reduce attacks also submit online self-meter reads through Ergon’s 24/7 Customer Self Service portal.
“Customers can submit online self-meter reads, register for free SMS and email notifications the day before their scheduled meter read, and update their dog details so that we are aware of any changes at their property,” Ms Kernick says.
“Information provided by customers helps us make an assessment on whether it’s safe to enter a property, so it’s important that these details are accurate.”
