Police: Dog shot by sheriff's deputy
A dog in Ypsilanti Township died this week after being shot in its yard by a Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office deputy responding to a call from a meter reader.
The sheriff's dispatch received a call at 11:32 a.m. on Monday from a caller who said a pit bull was trying to attack him.
The call was made by a 23-year-old meter reader working in the 1200 block of Hull Road.
The meter reader had entered the gated backyard where two pit bulls were locked in a separate area of the yard that was also gated, according to Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office spokesman Derrick Jackson. The Humane Society of Huron Valley, who provided medical assistance to the dog, could not confirm the breed of the dog.
While the man was attempting to read the meter, one of the dogs jumped the enclosure and attacked him, according to the sheriff's department.
The caller was able to use his reading wand to keep the dog from biting him, but he became trapped within the yard. He called 911 while the dog was attacking him and as he continued to try to fend off the dog, deputies arrived on the scene.
The dog charged and attacked the deputy, Jackson said. That deputy then shot the dog.
Deb Kern, director of marketing and media relations for the Humane Society of Huron Valley, said the 50-pound female dog was shot in the back and was immediately transported to HSHV by her owners.
"The dog came in and they (surgeons) did work on the dog for almost five hours and she did pass away," Kern said. "Unfortunately, she did not make it."
Jackson said Friday that the department interviewed neighbors, who said the dogs have a prior history of being vicious.
Details on the shooting were not listed on a media release from the sheriff's department earlier this week. DTE representative Len Singer said after checking all of the security logs, he saw no reports of any DTE workers being involved in the situation.
"I can't confirm that any of our employees were involved at all," he said.
DTE spokesperson Scott Simons said the company contracts its meter reader services out to a company called ACCU-READ Services, which is based in Ann Arbor. ACCU-READ representatives could not be reached for comment.
AnnArbor.com reporter Kyle Feldscher contributed to this article. Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Bjorn Arnesen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
Who is going to police the police?
Goodphotographer
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
Reading this brings me to ask a question. Why are meters placed where dogs are or would be kept? DTE and other utility companies control way too much of our freedom. I have a water meter in the middle of one corner of my basement when it could have been placed someplace else or at least out of the way. Hey DTE how about charging 50 or 100 dollars a month and save your company the cost of the meter readers? That would be just way to easy, if not a simple fix. Stay out of the yard when dogs are present or you just may get bit. What would we be like if we had teeth that big? I think more would be gun owners for sure.
Lisa
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
I personally am scared of people wjho have no knowledge let alone cannot read DOG on premesis do not enter dog on property! Pitbulls are like any other animal and dog or child what you put innto them is what you get! They are very protective of the children in the home and anyone attacking their premises Did you know dogs see in Black and White and most likely a hoodie or hat was on the worker. Whom should not of walk on a taxpayers gated locked yard what an diot! I do not like that word but DTE stop the calls lok at your signs at people private property. Yes I am talking yyour man handling ways where you broke my gate and entered trying to put a smart meter on my proeperty upon findings by the township and you bullied let animals out and disturbed elderly honest law abiding citizens First we had dobermans, then we had rotweilers then Chiuahaha and now the infamous Pitbull. Now lets talk about your children how are they!!???
HullGuy
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
As a person that lives a few doors down from this house. The dogs at that house where a menace to the neighborhood. I am sorry that the dog was distroyed, when it was the lack of training on the part of the owners that made their dogs mean. Also in less than 24 hours after this poor dog was distroyed the owners had a new pit bull that is now chained to the front railing of the house. Now, if they were "animal lovers" then why are they leaving the new dog outside 24/7? I wish there was a way to keep bad pet owners from getting new pets. Because its only a matter of time before this happens again. I guess everyone in my neighborhood will need to carry pepper spray or a taser to humanly protect ourselves in our own neighborhood. Perhaps we should issue pepper spray to the kids as they walk past that house on the way to school.
grimmk
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 5:22 a.m.
There is. Call the Humane Society and make a complaint. If you think these dogs are being mistreated it is up to YOU to make the change. Don't sit back and wish on stars.
YpsiVeteran
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
Any dog aggressive enough to catapult itself over a fenced pen to get at someone has no place in society. Any person who owns a dog that is that aggressive and leaves it outside unsupervised, in an enclosure without a top on it, should and hopefully will be charged under the harboring vicious animals statutes. Stop making excuses for vicious animals and incompetent pet owners. What possible excuse can there be on the part of the dog owners? Either they didn't know the dog was that aggressive, or they did know and failed to properly restrain/contain the dog. If they did know, which the article suggests, then the very act of leaving it outside when they were not out with it is criminally negligent. What if that had been some little kid who wandered back there to get a ball that went over the fence or something?
Adam Betz
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
Most cops are wannabe military infantrymen that were either too afraid to join the military or couldn't hack it. This "officer of the peace" was probably happy to get a chance to fire his weapon at something living and loved the thrill. This is the result of either a coward or undisciplined professional. I've been required to show more restraint in a war....and to think this was on an American's private property.
jane
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.
Wow I must have missed this study about police officers. To my knowledge, the opposite has been the case, many in law enforcement did serve our country, they just decided not to make a career out of it and to serve their local communities when they came back http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/search/law-enforcement-jobs/military-to-police-transition.html?comp=1198882889572&rank=1 But sounds like you may have had a negative interaction, I am sure that has nothing to do with your negative attitude......hmmm..........
Adam Betz
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
ha ha you could call them that
a2citizen
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 4:37 a.m.
Were you ever attacked by a pit bull in your "war"?
swcornell
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
Everyone talks about the dog's right to be there! What about the meter readers right to read the meter? We sort of agree to allow the reading of the meter when we agree to have our electricity. I believe all humans have a right to be safe from attack by a dog or even another human while just doing their job! If I shoot the meter reader thinking he is a burglar, I would be labeled a threat to society go to jail .
Soft Paw
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
I saw that meter reader that morning in the 1100 block as I was going out to ride. He said Ride safe, I said Thanks, little did I know that it would soon be him in a life threatening situation. When I used to deliver newspapers I was bitten a couple of times, but not by a pit, TG.
MiSola
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
It's a pretty tough call to depend on a tranquilizer dart to stop a charging pit bull. As wrong as it sounds, anyone; even a policeman probably used good judgment in using his firearm.
G-Man
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
Clearly, the owner should be charged in this case. They know the meter readers have the duty to come into their yard. It's just too bad that the meter reader did not have his own gun and have to bother the police to come. Wouldn't it have been better to euthanize the dog rather than spend the better part of a day to try to save it only to have it destroyed as vicious later?
Robert Granville
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.
Part of the problem with media portrayal of pit bulls is that they never wait for an expert to confirm the breed of the dog. As far as I'm concerned, this is a report about an unidentified dog breed. Many reports about pit bulls turn out to not be about pit bulls at all.... just like that miami face-eating attack turned out to have nothing to do with bath salts.
dading dont delete me bro
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
no smart meters in that neighborhood yet...?
cinnabar7071
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
I've had a smart meter for at least 6 months and they still enter my yard to read the meter.
A A Resident
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
Why should ownership of large aggressive dogs be viewed any differently than ownership of any other dangerous or potentially lethal weapon? The bottom line is that the law enforcement officer was threatened or assaulted with a deadly weapon. What do you expect cops to do when assaulted with a deadly weapon? Sing Kumbaya? Other deadly weapons cannot be used indiscriminately just because a stranger enters your yard. Why shouldn't dog owners be held to the same standard with their weapon of choice?
alan
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
I carry pepper spray while riding my bicycle. I can stop a pit pull or a 150 lb rottweiler in its tracks while riding past at 15 mph. I really don't think that shooting a dog that was defending its own yard was necessary, particularly if the guy kept it at bay with his reading wand while waiting for police. If that dog was truly dangerous I think the guy would have some serious injuries.
Tammy Mayrend
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
We temporarily had a dog labeled "pit mix" who was beautiful and loving. He wasn't right for our family due to separation anxiety. I don't dislike the breed, but what concerns me is this statement: "the 50-pound female dog was shot in the back and was IMMEDIATELY transported to HSHV by her OWNERS. " That indicates the HO were there. So, 1) The reader was doing his job. The article doesn't mention the HO's telling him not to go in the yard. 2) The HO's would have likely heard the commotion. So why didn't the HO's call off their own dog instead of necessitating the reader to call 9-1-1? If the dog has a history of protecting the property of the home, why didn't the HO's do something when the reader and/or deputy were under attack? Doesn't sound like this incident happened very quickly, a certain period of time would have passed by the reader going into the yard, the dog jumping the fence, the reader holding the dog off, taking out his phone/calling 9-1-1 and the arrival of the deputy. I don't condone breed specific alienation, and know that these breeds are not bred to be mean, however it seems in this case the HO's could have taken care of this situation very quickly by addressing it before it got out of hand, or in the very least WHEN it started to go badly.
Beth Wilson
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
Come on, people. Let's focus on the details, rather than the hyperbole around pitbulls. It doesn't matter if you like pitbulls or don't. The dog was in her own yard and a stranger entered the yard without permission. What do we expect would happen? Dogs are naturally defensive of their territory, which is part of why people have dogs, for protection, especially when people live in higher crime neighborhoods. Doesn't matter the breed. DTE worker "attacked" by a dog so vicious that the he can fend her with his WAND READER and is still able to call 911? That does not jibe. Then Sheriff's deputies arrive and shoot the dog. A big strong Deputy can't fight off a 50 pound female dog, previously stopped by a wand reader, without shooting her? Could they have fended her off with a stick, pepper spray, even tazer instead of shooting her in the back in her own yard? And how is being shot in the back consistent with shooting something in progress of attacking you? Where are the County's Animal Control officers with equipment and training to handle such situations? Of course an owner is going to bring their animal in to a clinic to get treatment. That is the owner's responsibility. Why didn't Annarbor.com talk to the owners or the neighbors? How is it that we can shoot a dog but can't even verify that there was an actual victim? Nice investigative reporting Annarbor.com.
YpsiVeteran
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 1:24 a.m.
Are you at all familiar with the anatomy of a dog? A dog's "back" is not behind its body, it's on top of its body. A charging dog can quite easily be shot in the back by anyone in front of it as long as said person is taller than the dog being shot. Also, the meter reader did not enter the fenced enclosure in which the dog was secured; he/she entered the other part of the yard. It's not reasonable or rational to expect that a dog locked within a fenced enclosure, presumably one in which the dog had been secured within before, would feel attacked or threatened by someone in some other part of the yard. Stop making excuses for vicious dogs and incompetent owners.
a2zoo
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
My meter readers know I have dogs. Five of them. They never come to my house. They let me call in my reading once a month. Also, if for some reason they need to get on the property, usually once a year, they call and let me know when they are coming. so I can secure my dogs. They certainly know better then to come onto my property alone, open my gate when there are dogs on the property, and walk in. This agreement was started nine years ago when the first meter reader came to my house and found the gate closed. They called, asked about it, explained the situation, and the agreement was made. It is called being neighborly and civil. Bad move by the meter reader as far as I am concerned. Yeah, Honest Abe, one of my dogs is a pitbull. I have had 75 school children here walking them around and playing with all of my dogs. I take my pitbull camping, swimming in Lake Michigan, canoeing etc. No issues ever, he loves people. I would trust them all over Honest Abe and his gun any day of the week. You sir, stay off of my property, you are now welcome.
a2zoo
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
Sorry, not welcome, ever.
Wolf's Bane
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
Sounds like the meter reader had a personal vendetta with the dog or dog's owner. Shooting a dog on his property within an enclosure is just extreme.
slave2work
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
you need to re-read the story.
GoNavy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.
Now we know at least one of the values of meters that can be read remotely.
LXIX
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 9:39 a.m.
People are assuming a lot here. Suppose the young man did not work for ACCU-READor did but was doing something abnormal like try to climb through a window or force a door on a moonlite job.Should the dog still have been shot if this were an attempted break-in? Sheriff saves burgler's behind after jewelry stolen? Who in the story actually verified the meter reader's status? These guys often dress unprofessionaly. dri ve real beaters, and are differentpeople each time looking pretty suspicious to begin with. They do not readily identify themselves as DTE people so they have no "automatic right" to tresspass as DTE people might. Do they have a company policy - what is that? Knock first? Leave a note if dogs are in yard? or Just do whatever to get the &*^%^^ reading or you don't get paid? DTE says we know nothing - which eliminates any right to tresspass, however. So given the rise in home invasions was this a burglery Are you sure?
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 6:27 a.m.
We've had dogs in the family for ages. I'm truly saddened that this particular animal was put down but those familiar with dogs know that the responsibility lies with the owners. The idea of trying to keep a "guard dog" in a heavily populated area just lacks foresight - for potential unintended (dangerous) inter actions between dogs and humans becomes virtually inevitable. "Dogs will be dogs" isn't entirely accurate: certain breeds are proven to be more aggressive. Over 30% of dog attack human fatalities are done by pit bulls. It's certainly no secret that pit bulls are selected by people to act as guard dogs. A properly socialized pit bull is probably no more dangerous than any other breed but they are large and have a notoriously powerful bite. Rational people don't leave loaded guns lying around unsecured - so how rational is it to leave pit bulls unsecured for any length of time? Dogs will be dogs? Not if they're properly trained, socialized and secured. People will be people too (not always to good effect) but people have given themselves rights and a government to protect those rights. Dogs don't have that advantage and will come out on the short end in every dog/human conflict.
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
Thanks Cash, for that response. I'm lucky to have realized that my good friend (and dog) isn't equipped to interact with strange humans on equal ground, so I naturally take care to prepare him (or her) by doing some thinking for them and for anyone who may come in contact with him (or her). Leaving a poor dog to it's own instincts isn't fair to the dog in the circumstances being discussed, don't you think? Also it's a matter of self interest - no one wants to be sued because their dog attacked someone (especially a child). That's a nightmare I can do without. I'd no sooner leave my dog untrained / unattended than I'd leave my gun (and myself) untrained and unattended. :-)
Cash
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
Thanks for the intelligent response. Refreshing.
Honest Abe
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:58 a.m.
I've also notice that nobody really mentions or asks about how the meter reader guy is doing. PEOPLE COME FIRST! Don't forget it! I would of blown that mutts brains out too!
a2zoo
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
Let me make something perfectly clear, you pull a gun because you do not like the way my dog is looking at you, your fire will be met by my fire and you will wish that you had kept your gun in your pants.
a2zoo
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
Bitter little Abe, you are threatening to open fire in a public arena because you do not like the way a dog looks at you and I am the one stirring up trouble?? Get a clue pal!!!
Honest Abe
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
A2zoo, if your dog was a threat to me, it would be finished! With that said, I would not be on your property anyways, but if your dog charges after me in the event you did not have a fence, I would be defending myself. Stop trying to stir up trouble. My comments may be harsh, but they are accurate, truthful and LEGAL. By the way, remember what I said what would happen if your dog or any other dog threatens my safety or somebody else.
Honest Abe
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Kitty, you have demonstrated that you're a great speculator.
Kitty O'Brien
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
*known
Kitty O'Brien
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
Abe - I hope your true identity is made know to the HSHV staff. You're the type that poisons dogs.
a2zoo
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
You try that on my property....um, well let's just say, I am defending my property.
Westfringe
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:11 a.m.
What a stupid decision by the deputy. The owners should have been contacted ASAP before any action was taken. The dog was doing what it was supposed to be doing, and on private property. I hope there is a lawsuit in the works.
Honest Abe
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:56 a.m.
Yeah, right, call the owners why a human is being attacked. Sorry, but right or wrong, the human will come first. I am actually going to meet face to face with the WCSD and see about letting the voters get a chance at banning any type of pit bull breed. Great job WCSD! And great job by the deputy! He made a quick decision to prevent a human being from being injured further and possibly from being mauled to death.
vamoose
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 4:49 a.m.
Something is wrong with our priorities in this country when poor kids can't get the basic health care they need but a vicious dog gets five hours of surgery trying to save it after it attacks two people. A second bullet would have been a better investment.
Angry Moderate
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
It jumps a fence, and that's "defending its territory"? Riight.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
so.....you are advocating veterinary care for poor kids? psssssst: care for people cost JUST a little more.
Westfringe
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:07 a.m.
Something is wrong with you when you so readily promote violence against an animal defending its territory.
chapmaja
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 4:26 a.m.
I have a few comments about the article and similar situations. First, I have no problem with properly trains pit bulls. My best friend has a pit bull and there are no problems with this dog. He will bark like crazy when someone approaches, until he knows you, then he will try licking you to death. I would not want to be someone attacking my friend or her children, because I'm sure he would not hesitate to hurt an attacker. Second, the meter readers are not always the brightest bulbs in the box. As an example, we had two beagles when I was growing up. One day we were working the back yard when the meter reader arrived to read the meter. We were in the process of letting the dogs into the house when he decided not to wait for us to let the dogs in. He stuck he leg over the fence and my dog turned an snapped at him. He then made the comment "Your dog tried to bite me". My dads response was "No #$%^, that's why you don't stick your leg over a fence when there is a dog there." The meter reader then threatened to call the police, but we never heard anything further about it. First rule of going onto a property is know what is around you. If it doesn't look safe, most likely it isn't. Now, should the dog have been shot? Unfortunately, I have to say yes. The reason is simple and is no different if the situation invovled a human. The dog was putting the safety of a person in danger, and then turned and attacked a LEO. When a person, or animal attacks someone who is armed, they need to defend themselves, and in this case, it meant shooting the dog. It's sad the dog had to die, but it was better a dog die, than a human be killed.
LXIX
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:43 a.m.
Various things wrong with that scenario. Owners nearby but not involved prior to shooting - what was their story? Meter reader was "trapped" and couldn't run away - maybe on top of or in something? Sheriffs Department contacted the owners when ? Either a good shot or close to the dog - because stray bullets do hit innocent people firing a weapon back there had to be a necessity - right? Property ownership and its protection should outweigh any unannounced access by anybody. Starting with ACCU-READ. For the safety of everybody, including the dogs.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.
maybe folks like LXIX should just get an estimated bill for 11 months then square up once a year with an actual read. They can get one of those 4 hour windows we get from the phone or cable company to sit at home and escort the reader when he arrives. . Hopefully if that last bill is out of line he won't complain.
Basic Bob
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:50 a.m.
You might want to consider cancelling your electricity contract. We can't afford your terms.
Billy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.
"said the 50-pound female dog was shot in the back and was immediately transported to HSHV by her owners." So wait......if the owners were home...why couldn't they get control of their animals? Or did they just happen to show up after the dog was shot?
dading dont delete me bro
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
nice to see that ordinace is working
RJA
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
A/The meter reader should never have entered the property gated with 3 dogs protecting the home owners property. This is B-S, he could have gotten back in his car and left. (what ever happened to estimatimg a meter, and get the actual next month) ? I have an easement right next to my home, 50-55 miles per hour doesn't set well with me. I have confronted a few readers, about the speed and found a few very rude. If they hit my dog on my property there will be hell to pay. This is truly sad for the home owners and the dog. I think the officer was in the wrong shooting the dog.
nickcarraweigh
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:11 a.m.
Who should die in this situation? It's either the meter reader, the deputy or the dog. It's not a multiple choice answer.
Basic Bob
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
@LXIX, The meter reader has permission by virtue of the equipment installed on the premises. The deputy has permission by law. The dog is a guest.
LXIX
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:18 a.m.
Who has legal permission to be on the property. It's either the meter reader, the deputy, or the dog. It's not a multiple choice answer.
genetracy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
Only in AnnArbor.com would aatory about a pitbull shot by cop be the lead story. So much for Ann Arbor being the center of the intellectual universe.
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
As a dog owner, with a fenced yard containing 3 large dogs plus the DTE meter (not a smart meter). I can tell that most of you posting have no idea what DTE provides for options for these situations. I suggest you call DTE or check their site. If I told you, you wouldn't learn anything from that. And to the armchair gun-toters, keep on chanting "this is my rifle, this is my gun, this is for killing, this is for fun"-- and I hope you can tell the two apart...
Lynn Higelmire
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:30 a.m.
I may take some flak from my fellow dog rescue workers but here's what I read. "Deb Kern, director of marketing and media relations for the Humane Society of Huron Valley, said the 50-pound female dog was shot in the back and was immediately transported to HSHV by her owners." Sounds like they were home or nearby. They should have either put the dogs in or at least supervised them while the meter reader was in the yard. The dog reportedly not only attacked the ACCU-READ employee but the WCSDeptuy as well. A taser may have not mortally wounded the dog but the officer had to act in the best interest of human life over canine.
RunsWithScissors
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.
I know of a few dog owners who have difficulty controlling their dogs on a good day. On a bad day, when the dog(s) are excited, they have zero control. It could be that this situation was beyond control by the time the deputy fired his pistol. 'Tis a sad story all the way around.
justcurious
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
First of all, DTE can't confirm that the man in the yard worked for them because he is probably a contractor? Secondly, if the owners were at the home, why were they not involved in containing the dogs. I would assume the "meter reader" was yelling? The article says they immediately transported the dog. Did the police talk to the owners when they arrived or just shoot? I believe there needs to be a follow up on this story to make sense of it. The dog has paid with her life.
BobbyJohn
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:03 a.m.
It's a dog, not a person
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.
@ Bob: lets pretend for a second that this was a pedestrian ignoring signs and pre-arrangements via traffic rules, and they walked out in front of a car. Would you shoot the driver?
Basic Bob
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:05 a.m.
Do we need a two-hour TV special to explain it? Or maybe you are own of those folks who believe that the meter reader should have allowed the dog to rip his arm off. No dog has that right.
a2citizen
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : midnight
Maybe the headline should read "Deputy Euthanizes Pit Bull With History of Being Vicious".
a2citizen
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
That's where cowards usually take it.
Renee S.
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
I for one know that when it is my time, I would want to be humanely shot in the back.
Brad
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
So when are those smart meters going to be smart enough that people won't have to be coming into your yard every month?
my two cents
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
@idiocracy: it's apparent they have no common sense. I experienced the same thing...numerous times.
Idiocracy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.
I have a smart meter also and a few weeks ago a meter reader came in my yard (dressed in full camouflage) without even knocking on the door to let me know and I have 2 "beware of dog" signs. They just don't care! They have also left my fence wide open a couple of times... where is the common sense???
Cash
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
Not sure when they will be smart enough. I have had both a smart meter and a meter reader for the past two months.
DNB
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
My smart meter was installed in early June. A couple weeks ago I was raking in the backyard, and the meter reader startled me as he came around the house to read the meter. I asked him why they are still reading my SMART meter. He said they still wanted a dual system. BTW, last month HE read it wrong, and my electrical usage was way off. DTE sent me a letter saying my electrical usage was 243% more than my neighbors, and it had a list of ways to save electriciy. Pretty funny, the smart meter is not being utilized at all.
Basic Bob
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
LOL As soon as they are installed.
walker101
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:34 p.m.
The meter reader has the right to enter your property if you have any meters that belong to them, when you or when the house was built and requested to have power or gas you've given them the right to access and read their meters regardless. Also since this dog was known to be viscous and could harm an employee it is the sole responsibility of home owner or renter that the employee have safe access to enter the yard on or about the time when meter is to be read. DO enter enter because of vicious dog or dog can bite will not work in this situation if the homeowner was notified by DTE that they would have someone enter their property to read their property the person who owns the dog is liable.
Steven Taylor
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
Yes, DTE has the opportunity to check the meters that are attached to your house, but as a homeowner, you are allowed to dictate, when and where an individual such as a meter service has access to your property, particularly if your meter is at the rear of the property, in a fenced area etc. My meter is at the front corner of the house, equipped with a smart reader tag, but to move into an enclosed area, without a home owners permission is trespassing. Screw yer billing me for my utilities.. You just gonna let the meter reader into your home if the meter is in your basement without permission? Screw that.. It's sad the dog was shot, vicious or not, but if I had one of those schleps from "Accu-read" trying to get into my backyard (over my privacy fence) without my permission, the least of his worries would be my dog.
SillyTree
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
You must be thick. Just let it flow.
alan
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
Sorry, I can't get the image of the viscous dog out of my head.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
If you want electricity at your home, a meter read is part of the deal. Its curious that Deb Kern of the Humane Society finds it unfortunate that a dog with a history of violence died. I'm pretty sure they put violent dogs "to sleep" don't they?
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.
we aren't talking humans we are talking animals. And pet owners, vets and the humane society do put animals "to sleep"...in other words they do kill them or pay to have them killed.
Renee S.
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
Doctors will try their best to save the life of even a death row inmate. That's what nedical professionals do.
Ann English
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
I'm glad the meter reader didn't simply read too much into a dog's expression and then call 911. When on my second telephone directory route, I came upon a German shepherd, I read scary intentions into its look, but then realized I was only imagining what it might do. It allowed me to deliver directories to that door, and when I unintentionally entered the driveway again, he smiled at me. I said in a previous comment that German shepherds are expected to bite people, but you never know about those owned by people you never meet.
Barbara Clarke
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
I don't understand why the ONLY solution law enforcement seems to be able to manifest is to shoot a dog that is in its own yard, defending its "turf" by what the dog perceives is an intruder. I think NOT reading the meter is a better option than venturing into a yard with 2 dogs that appear to be "bothered" by a person entering their area.
justcurious
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:29 a.m.
And he could have left a card asking the homeowner to read it. Usually the meter readers here have been on the route for a while, I wonder if he was?
Tizz
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
sounds suspicious to me.......
genetracy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:04 a.m.
The black helicopters are circling.
tom devero
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
Too bad the LEO didn't use a TASER. Then everyone would be happy and it would have been safer and more humane. Same if it was a person doing the barking!
nowayjose
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:35 a.m.
You only get one shot with a taser and dogs are a small target with spreading taser probes. I don't think you would have used that either if a vicious dog was barreling down on you either. Just easier for you to Monday morning quarterback.
genetracy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:05 a.m.
There are still people why would question the use if a taser as an "overreaction".
bunnyabbot
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.
I don't like pitbulls, but I have met many easy going big babies before. The dog was doing it's duty it was IN it's yard. I seriously hope the owners are not fined for "having a vicious dog" when it was responding to an uninvited person. I was once in my backyard playing a game of fetch when the meter reader attempted to get in. My dog is friendly but a strange man at the gate and his natural inclination is to alert and make noise. The reader waited until I went inside with the dog. I started to get an automated phone call from DTE about two days prior to a meter reading to say "please have any dogs inside as we will be reading meters in your area within the next couple days". I would recommend that if you have DTE you call and ask to be put on the call list. I got the call to my cell phone. This summer though the smart meter was put in. I will say that the DTE lady who installed it was a complete witch! Totally rude, unprofessional, she was rude about my dog who was IN the house the entire time.
cinnabar7071
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
I also have had a smart meter installed for about 6 months now, and they still come in my yard every month to read the meter. Whats up with that?
slave2work
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
I'm guessing that the homeowners thought the dogs were safely caged. I personally have 2 dogs that are generally in the house, but we get a call every month from DTE telling us that they will be reading meters on certain days. Sad for the dog, scary for the reader, and the officer had no choice.
Brad
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2 p.m.
DTE will make notations on your account about having fenced pets and does pay attention to that. I am one of them (account, not pet) and I've found them to be quite good about watching out when they come in the yard. I'm still looking forward to the day that they don't need to come in any more. There is pretty much nobody else that gets to come on your property any time they want on a regular basis.
Tlmk75
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
I have a Doberman, she is an indoor dog, but DTE always calls us to let us know they're coming!
Salinemary
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:45 p.m.
We also get a monthly robo call from DTE. Maybe they make note of which properties have dogs and only call those customers. We don't have a surcharge on our bill for the call.
slave2work
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:37 p.m.
why do you need to say that????????? FGS, and no they call all in our neighborhood. OMG I'm so sick of people being nasty. a2 = enough said.
a2cents
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
I hope there is a surcharge on your bill for the call service
jns131
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
You know what? This reader learned a valuable lesson. Wait until the owners are home to read the flipping meter. Lawsuit to DTE.
genetracy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
Yeah JNS, There are plenty of underemployed ambulance chasers around Ann Arbor who would be more than happy to file a lawsuit for meal money.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.
meter readers work a specific area each day. They cannot be expected to "Wait until the owners are home to read the flipping meter. Your confusing a meter reader with a pizza delivery man.
my two cents
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
I hope so!
Ann English
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
I thought the owners WERE home. Otherwise, how could a pit bull be taken to the Humane Society IMMEDIATELY by her owners?
HONDO
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
"Jackson said Friday that the department interviewed neighbors, who said the dogs have a prior history of being vicious." Appartently the actions taken were valid. Officers dont have time to figure out the tempermant of a dog. Sure my dogs cool with me, but if he doesnt know you...... then you have to do what the others have done RUN and TRY TO HIDE. BUUUT he only does so if I give the command, even in the yard.
stevek
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
A pit bull...attacking someone...in Ypsi Twp??? Come on, who you trying to kid?
my two cents
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
I've met meter readers who can be more tenacious than a pit bull. In the past, when I gave the meter readers full access to my gate to the backyard, they left it flopping in the wind when they left, when they could have just as easily latched it, allowing my dogs to get OUT. I then installed a lock on the gate and started calling my meter readings into DTE. Not too long ago, AFTER the installation of the smart meters, a meter reader knocked on my door to read the meter, I told him, "No" that my dogs were in the yard and I would call it in as usual. Not even a minute after I shut the front door and went out back, he was at the top of my fence attempting to jump into the back yard, while 4 dogs barked loudly at him. My dogs don't bite, but you never know what any dog may attempt at an intruder as the dog in the story did, and rightfully so.
my two cents
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
Eagleman, why would you ask ME why DTE would allow me to call in a meter reading? I mean after all, I could presumably lie to YOU as well. And while DTE does need usage information (which I had been calling in), NO they do not have the right to enter my property when I ask them to leave. And then to hear my barking dogs, and still attempt to jump over the fence into the yard, seeing the barking dogs below.? He was provoking my dogs and the impending situation had I not stopped him from jumping in. It's obvious from others who commented , many meter readers have this "idiot" mentality. And their MO for their "idiot" defense is to call 911 and have the dogs shot? I can think of a better solution, but to write it would get my comment banned.
eagleman
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:15 a.m.
WHy the heck would they let you call in the readings? How do they know that you aren't lying??? The meter reader was an idiot, but the DTE does have the right to check your usage. I suspect that with the energy issues this nation is dealing with the government will grow ever more vigilant in keeping track of personal energy usage.
justcurious
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:25 a.m.
..or at least called the company. I would have read him the riot act immediately. I can't wait for a smart meter for the reasons you are giving.
my two cents
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.
@Walking Joe, I WISH I had!
Ann English
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.
If I were a meter reader and allowed to open gates, I wouldn't leave any open. When I delivered phonebooks, there were two occasions when I had to leave phonebooks with neighbors of intended recipients, leaving notes that the extra phonebooks were for their neighbor with the dogs who wouldn't allow me near the front door. Barking dogs don't scare away telephone couriers or meter readers, but do scare away teenagers who meant to break into homes.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
I hope you called the cops and had the meter reader arrested for trespassing. Especially after you denied him permission.
H R L
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
The dog was not in the wrong, it was doing what a dog is suppose to do, protect it's home from intruders. That is how the dog saw the meter reader and if there was beware of dog signs then they should have waited until someone was home. Like Tlmk75 said the dog should have been tranquilized not shot, especially in its own yard! Tlmk75 please don't judge all pit bulls as mean and evil, it is the owners doing not the dog. I have a 9-year-old and 1-year-old pit bull both females and they are wonderful together. My big girl I can take to the dog park and she can play with all the other dogs without a problem. Actually I have seen dog fights at the park and none are pit bulls. They are smart dogs that need a lot of attention, food, love, and lots of activity just like any other dog.
Idiocracy
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:57 p.m.
You allow someone to talk about shooting dogs in the park if they look at him wrong!
a2zoo
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Honest Abe, here is a story of a Jack Russell that crushed a babie skull with one bite http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2237532/Pet-Jack-Russell-killed-day-old-boy-escaped-stair-gate-attack-child.html. This was a few days ago. The point is that any dog can be aggressive when frightened or forced to fight for their lives. Pitbulls are no different. People cause the issues with pitbulls by over breading them and using them for illegal and immoral purposes. Also, you pull out your gun at a dog park and start shooting and I am there I am going to feel threatened by you. Lets just say you are not the only one packing sir.
djacks24
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 8:19 a.m.
"Too bad if you don't like what I say. I call it the way it is." Easier to "call it the way it is" hiding behind an anonymous screen name, right internet tough guy?
Westfringe
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:14 a.m.
Yeah yeah we know Honest Abe you are just itching to use your concealed weapon as soon as you can. Unbalanced individuals like you give responsible gun owners like me a bad name.
eagleman
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:12 a.m.
Wrong, djacks. If the dog is attacking a person that person has every right to defend themselves. I really have to question the humanity of HRL and all the others defending this dog.The dog attacked the man. Ergo, it deserved what it got. If the man had threatened the animal I could understand it but from this report it seems that the man was merely doing his job. Again questionable humanity exhibited by the dog lovers here. A dog's life is not more important than a humans'.
SillyTree
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:47 a.m.
Not on my property. I think Pit Bulls are aggressive and a danger to people in general, but they are beings that are worthy of fair judgment based on the law. This was not an animal at a "dog park". This was an animal in its own yard. I see nothing in the article that says this animal bit anyone. In that case, it was a verbal attack. If a dog wants to bite you, your little wand isn't going to stop it. It's not a matter of an animal being defenseless, it's a matter of its right to defend. DTE uses contractors to avoid culpability in these situations (as well as other reasons), but what if an employee was involved. They probably would have been to this house before and they would have known the situation. I used to do door hanging for a major pizza chain and I have met a lot of dogs that would tear tear the hide off of you for entering their yard. DTE needs to reconsider how they do thing. Of course, they don't have to. Where else will you get your heat.
Honest Abe
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 1:40 a.m.
@djacks - YES, I COULD draw and fire on them if they approached me in a threatening manner. LEGALLY.
Basic Bob
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.
Well, it might be the owner's fault that the dog is a menace, but shooting or tranquilizing the owner would not help control the situation.
djacks24
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
"but I promise you that if I was in the same park and they so much as acted like they would harm someone else or myself, they would be finished, right there and then." Okay internet tough guy! If you are talking about concealed carry drawing on someones dog in a public place, you'd better be ready for several criminal charges and a civil suite to follow.
Tizz
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
Well said!
steven
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
The dog was being kept outside while the owners weren't home, jumped a fence, and neighbors said it had a history of aggression. Pit bulls make great pets when they are well trained by caring and loving owners. Of course, I've never met the dog, so I can't make a definitive judgement call, but it seems as though the deputy made the right choice here. Utility workers (and mail carriers - another frequent victim of dog attacks) have a right to be able to do their job safely and it is the owner's responsibility to make sure these people are safe. It's unfortunate that this dog had to die because of (what I am presuming to be) irresponsible dog owners.
Tlmk75
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
I personally am scared of pitbulls, but couldn't they have dispatched someone to tranquilize the dog so the man could have gotten out of the yard??!! The dog was in it's own yard and saw the man as an intruder! Animal control could have been called out along with the police when the 911 call was made!
Angry Moderate
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
bee - and this particular pit bull obviously has a problem, since the article reports that it attacked a meter reader, a deputy, and already had a history of being aggressive.
Jake C
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.
Very true, some pit bulls do have socialization problems, and that's the fault of the owner and not the dog. But unlike dachshunds and guinea pigs and sea monkeys, Pit bulls are capable of ripping out a human's throat.
bee
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
Pit bulls (the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Terrier) are not inherently aggressive dogs. Like any other animal, they can be socialized to love or hate people.
Angry Moderate
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
Yeah, let's sit around and wait around for animal control to show up when a DOG is already in the process of attacking a HUMAN. Great idea.
Tizz
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
totally agree!
Honest Abe
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.
Tlmk75 - The answer is NO!
a2citizen
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
"...couldn't they have dispatched someone to tranquilize the dog so the man could have gotten out of the yard..." No...then bank robbers will expect to be tranquilized.