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Utility company employee pepper sprayed a dog in a private back yard and entered without
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:33 am
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:33 am
Notice. This did not happen to me but a family friend. They’re pissed. While I agree it sucks, I am telling them most likely the worker entered legally via an easement to service equipment. And within the service agreement there is likely a clause that a worker can subdue an animal hence the pepper spray. Some googling shows several instances of this across the country and of course the home owners are pissed. I would be too.
But by the letter of the law I imagine the worker won’t face any consequences as I imagine he did nothing technically wrong.
Thoughts?
But by the letter of the law I imagine the worker won’t face any consequences as I imagine he did nothing technically wrong.
Thoughts?
26
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:35 am to jlovel7
So if the dog attacks he should just let it happen?
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:35 am to jlovel7
What company?
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:36 am to jlovel7
quote:
Thoughts?
I'd whip his arse and then pepper spray him.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:36 am to jlovel7
I guess it depends... was there someone home that the worker could have knocked on the door and request the homeowner restrain their pet? If not, was the utility worker absolutely necessary on the property that day?
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:37 am to jlovel7
Were they home when this happened? If the worker didn't first see if anyone was home, he's an a-hole. Also what kind of dog
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:37 am to SallysHuman
quote:
guess it depends... was there someone home that the worker could have knocked on the door and request the homeowner restrain their pet? If not, was the utility worker absolutely necessary on the property that day?
Yes they’re home. And the dog is not a dangerous breed. (Not a Shepard, pitbull, Doberman, etc…). It’s a big floof.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:37 am to jlovel7
My brother has this exact job. And he’s there to cut on/off power for nonpayment. He’s never used spray before but from his stories he should have.
They need to keep up with their responsibilities foremost
They need to keep up with their responsibilities foremost
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:38 am to jlovel7
quote:
While I agree it sucks, I am telling them most likely the worker entered legally via an easement to service equipment. And within the service agreement there is likely a clause that a worker can subdue an animal hence the pepper spray. Some googling shows several instances of this across the country and of course the home owners are pissed. I would be too.
But by the letter of the law I imagine the worker won’t face any consequences as I imagine he did nothing technically wrong.
This is correct. The only way the servicer would face consequences is if it can be proven he used excessive force. If he had a legitimate indication the dog was coming at him, he is within his rights to use the pepper spray. The responsibility falls to the homeowner to provide free and clear access to all utility owned equipment such as electric or gas meters.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:39 am to jlovel7
I feel like they have a right to be pissed, but it's probably a better alternative than getting sued by the utility company employee if the dog were to attack.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:39 am to jlovel7
The policy of most companies is if there is limited access (gate/fence) you knock on the door and get permission from the homeowner and ask any animals be put up.
Now, it's not required. But if he entered in from a rear servitude...was the dog on a leash? Was it in a cage?
Need more info
Now, it's not required. But if he entered in from a rear servitude...was the dog on a leash? Was it in a cage?
Need more info
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:40 am to jlovel7
quote:
and entered without Notice.
If there is a utility easement, even with the fence up, they don't have to provide notice. Just because you fence in an easement doesn't prevent the utility companies from accessing it.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:40 am to jlovel7
quote:
Yes they’re home.
That'd send me over the edge... why not just knock and give dog owner a chance to put away the floof? I'd sue or kick arse, pepper spraying a lawfully restrained pet is bullshite.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:41 am to SallysHuman
This sounds fricked up to me. I don't get how they can just show up and make their way in without regard to an animal in the backyard.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:42 am to lsufan112001
quote:
And he’s there to cut on/off power for nonpayment.
That too. They have a right to access their equipment. You can't lock it behind a fence and stop paying your bills then tell them they have no right to come lock the meter.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:42 am to SallysHuman
quote:
why not just knock and give dog owner a chance to put away the floof?
Probably to avoid the drama of the owner getting pissed that he was there to shut off their gas or power.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:43 am to jlovel7
quote:
Yes they’re home.
That's all I need to know.
Dude needs to be pepper-sprayed himself while his supervisor yells at him about how he should have spoken to the homeowners first, since the dog was out and they were home.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:43 am to jlovel7
yeah I'd be checking knuckles if I were home when this happened and the dude didn't attempt to ask me to put the dog up.
Posted on 5/14/25 at 10:46 am to jlovel7
Utility owns the service from the tap to the meter. goes for water/gas/electrical.
Customer owns from Meter to house.
Utility has rights to access meter for reading/service inspection as they have to maintain the service to the meter.
AI response:
Customer owns from Meter to house.
Utility has rights to access meter for reading/service inspection as they have to maintain the service to the meter.
AI response:
quote:
Utility companies, like Entergy in Baton Rouge, have a legal right to access meters on your property for readings and maintenance, but it's generally limited to reasonable access. They own the meter and associated equipment, but the land still belongs to the property owner. Utility easements also grant them the right to access for specific purposes like maintenance and emergencies.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Legal Basis for Access:
Utility Easements:
These are legal agreements that grant utilities the right to access specific areas of your property for their infrastructure, like lines and meters.
Reasonableness:
While utilities have the right to access, they must do so reasonably and according to the circumstances. This means they typically need to request access for routine readings and cannot barge into your home without permission.
2. When Access is Needed:
Monthly Meter Readings: Utility companies need to access meters to accurately bill customers.
Maintenance and Repairs: They may need access to maintain or repair the meter, lines, or other infrastructure.
Emergencies: In emergencies, like a gas leak, they may need to access your property without prior notice to ensure safety.
3. Your Responsibilities:
Accessibility: You are responsible for ensuring the meter is accessible for readings.
Safe Access: You should keep the path to the meter clear and safe.
Dog Security: If you have a dog, ensure it's secured during meter readings.
Communication: You can often schedule meter readings with the utility company in advance.
4. Important Considerations:
Smart Meters:
If you have a smart meter, you may be able to opt out of some data collection or consider installing a cover.
Privacy:
You can contact your utility company to inquire about their privacy policies regarding smart meter data.
Utility Easement:
If you refuse a utility easement, it's crucial to consider the potential legal and financial implications.
In summary, while utility companies have the legal right to access your meter for legitimate purposes, they must do so reasonably and in accordance with local regulations.
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