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Even the friendliest of dogs can bite when scared, startled or protecting its territory.  A recent rash of dog bites is prompting Ameren Illinois to ask its customers for help in providing a safer environment for both pets and utility employees.

Pets on the loose or leashed to equipment can be hazardous for Ameren Illinois employees who must enter customers’ yards to work on natural gas or electric service equipment.  In the last five years, more than 40 Ameren Illinois field workers have been attacked and bitten by a dog requiring medical attention.

Customers are encouraged to safely secure their dogs when a utility worker is scheduled to visit a home or business.   Here are some safety recommendations:

• Never leash a pet to any utility equipment – meter, pole, guy wire.
• If a utility worker is outside the home or business, securely confine the dog inside. If the co-worker needs to enter the home, keep the pet securely confined.
• An electric fence will not always keep a determined dog from breaking through the invisible fence.
• Post a Beware of Dog sign on your fence or house to avoid any surprises for the utility worker.
• Vaccinations and inoculations for rabies and parasites should always be up to date.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. 

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in downstate Illinois, and our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com.  Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.

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