Walk through GATE spraying my watchDog with pepper spray

[The Wolf Queen]

They shouldnt have a right to do that. That can also be harmful to the dog and counted as animal cruelty if they dont call you first or something. Plus their doing it repeatedly knowing that they should ask. Can you lock the gate or something?

 

[HenPen]

I put a pad lock on my gate and a note that read knock on front door for access to the yard,I am home so this works BUT there was a day when they came and I was not home so they left me a note.Mind you this did not come to be this way until after many calls and them telling me they have the right to access the meter and defend themselves from my dogs...I kindly I reminded them I have the right to protect my home from strangers/trespassers and unannounced guests are just that strangers/trespassers and will be dealt with as such...I no longer lock the gate and if there is a dog/s in the yard they knock now so I can bring them in I do try to keep everyone in on the days they come to read the meter.

 

[SarahFair]

You could always come running out and spray them...
'Ohhhh I was defending my property from what I thought to be an intruder!!'

 

[NoelTate]

So what if they have the right to come on your property and defend themselves? Just because we have a RIGHT to do something does not mean it is the right thing to do. This guy is obviously a complete jackass who has some issue with animals. That being the case, he needs to find a job that does not bring him into contact with them. I would be sure I was home one day and throw a fit with him like he had never seen, then I'd lock the gate so they did not have access unless I was home to bring the dog in. If they don't like that inconvenience, they should have better employees. Of course, all that being said, we do know that these people have to have access to the meters, so we should make provisions for that. My fence is only around my back yard so that the water and power meter guys can get to the meters with no problem from the dogs. Regardless, there is no excuse for attacking an animal that has exhibited no threatening behaviors. That's abuse, pure and simple.

 

[NoelTate]

One more thought-would it be possible to call them and ask if they could schedule just a month or two for the guy to come when you are at home so you can go out and introduce your dog to him, have him give the dog a treat, so that your dog sees this guy is ok? If the dog knows him, he might not have any problems. And if he knows your dog, he will feel less threatened.

 

[Bluemoon420]

Our company will let you read the meter and call it in. Maybe, they will let you do that instead.

Bluemoon

 

[jbowen9]

Ok maybe this is just me but what i would do is try to pinpoint when they are going to read the meter and if he goes back and sprays your dog i would go out and spray inside his truck see how he likes it that would be so funny wouldnt it. Eye for a eye he has no right to spray your dog no matter what lock your gate and put a note on it sayinig meter readers knock on front door for access to the back yard this should work. If it dont work go with plan A.

 

[Pupsnpullets]

I think the meter readers should have the ability to safely access the meter, even if this means remotely. Most cities have parking officers that ride around in little hybrids scanning all the parked vehicles busting folks for expired meters without removing their rear ends from their vehicles. I see no reason their meter reading gadget can't be adapted to read electricity meters.

And secondly, I think being hired as a meter reader should include on the job training in animal management. A good dog can be turned vicious and unreliable with only a little of the wrong treatment.

I have a 2.5 acre property and the readers come on to it regularly, of course. I have 2 dogs who, as long as you don't attempt to come on to the property after dark, are completely mellow. The meter reader comes and goes without a hitch - usually. When their car rolls up the dogs usually let out a bark and I say 'thanks, pups' and that's it. One morning I heard quite a commotion out there and both dogs came running in to get me acting really anxious. I went out and there was a new meter reader and she was freaking out. Really freaking out!! Screaming at me to get my dogs and on the point of hyperventilating. Now both these 'vicious' dogs of mine were standing either side of me and slightly in front more than 100ft away from her. They weren't barking or threatening her in any way, in fact they were nervous of her. That lady had serious issues and should never be doing a job that involved being near dogs.

I half expected to hear from the electric company later on about the incident so I pulled my bill and read the small print on the bottom and sure enough there was a clause that all dogs must be contained while the reader is on the property. I didn't hear back and I presume Nervous Nelly went on to bigger and better things.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Not trying to stir the pot here but many of you are missing the point. It's not up to the meter reader to have to deal with your animal, if they are "animal friendly" or not is not a job requirment for them. I worked part time in high school for a medical delivery service and it was company policy not to trust any dog and if dogs were loose and owner did not lock them up we left plain and simple, they could pick up their order from the office. Yes they do have right to come on your property to read the meter - i'm sure it's spelled out very plainly in your bill. If you have a problem with you can always have your service turned off. If your dog happens to bite the reader you would be liable and your dog could be put down.

JMHO
Steve in NC

 

[pips&peeps]

Steve,

The OP is trying to comply and make this problem go away but is not getting any cooperation. Is it too hard or complex to have a specific date given to her so she can put her dog in the house?