RIVER NORTH — Two dogs were electrically shocked Saturday while walking over a manhole cover in River North, prompting an investigation by city officials after one of the dogs died.
The first incident happened around 11:45 a.m. when a woman called police saying her dog was electrocuted after stepping on a manhole in the 600 block of North Dearborn Street. The dog was taken to a veterinarian and is listed in good condition, police said.
Less than two hours later, officers responded to another call reporting that a dog had been electrocuted in the same area. That dog died, police said.
Officials with ComEd and the city’s Department of Electricity arrived at the scene following the dog’s death and declared the location safe, according to police.
As of Monday afternoon, the cause of the electrocutions were still unknown.
ComEd spokesperson Rebecca Dempsey told Block Club that the manhole in question is not owned by the power supplier.
“On Saturday afternoon, ComEd was contacted about an electrical incident involving a dog and a non-ComEd-owned manhole,” said Dempsey. “ComEd crews responded to provide support while the incident was investigated by the city of Chicago. No ComEd equipment was involved in the incident.”
Police are continuing to investigate both incidents. Police directed questions about the investigation to the city’s Streets and Sanitation Department, which did not return requests for comment Monday afternoon.
Dr. Rachel Courville, a veterinarian with BLVD Vet Chicago, said while these types of electrocution incidents are rare, pet owners should take precautions to keep their dogs safe, especially in winter.
“One of the best ways to prevent electrocution is by having dogs wear rubber booties, which act as a barrier between their paws and potentially electrified surfaces like manhole covers,” Courville said.
Other safety precautions in the winter include wiping off pets’ paws after walks to remove any irritants from winter streets.
Courville also recommends preventing dogs from urinating on metal objects such as light poles and avoiding grates, manhole covers and lampposts — especially when it’s wet outside.
In the event of an electrocution, owners should avoid touching their pet immediately, as they could also be shocked.
“The first thing we go for is to touch our pet, but that can put you in danger,” she said.
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