CHICAGO — After a dog was killed by stepping on an electrified manhole cover in downtown Chicago on Saturday, city officials are advising dog owners to dress their pets in booties and direct them away from light poles when they need to pee.
Such electrical glitches are “rare,” officials said, but the risk to dogs increases during wintertime.
CWBChicago was the first to report that a dog died after making contact with a manhole cover that had become electrified near the corner of Dearborn and Ontario around 1:30 p.m. Saturday. City officials have since confirmed that a second dog survived being shocked earlier in the day.
On Tuesday, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) emailed his constituents with an update.
“A wire was pinched on North Dearborn Street, causing a manhole cover and light pole to become electrically live,” Reilly said. “Two dogs walking in the area were shocked, and sadly, one of them lost its life.”
Reilly explained that, while rare, electrical mishaps like the one seen on Saturday may be especially risky during wintertime.
“Stray voltage can occur when exposed wires come into contact with moisture, creating a hidden electrical hazard. While such incidents are rare, factors like rain and salt can increase the risk,” Reilly said. He added that the city’s Department of Transportation recommends pet owners take extra precautions like dressing them in shoes or booties and not allowing them to urinate on light poles.”
The department also suggested dog owners should be cautious around manholes and not allow their pets to pee on light poles.
CDOT responded to the scene on Saturday and corrected the problem within an hour, according to Reilly, who said the area is “currently safe.” On Sunday, a ComEd spokesperson told CWBChicago that the incident did not involve the company’s infrastructure, but it sent crews to assist the city’s efforts.
Reilly’s email included a link to this statement from CDOT:
“CDOT’s Division of Electrical Operations takes stray voltage very seriously. A crew was immediately dispatched once alerted to the incident at Ontario and Dearborn, and made the necessary repairs to ensure the area is safe. Stray voltage, while rare, can pose a hidden and unpredictable danger. Because it’s invisible and difficult to detect, for pet safety owners should prevent their animals from directly touching metal objects such as light poles and manhole covers. This is particularly important during winter when snow melts and salt can increase the conductivity of these surfaces. If concerned, residents are encouraged to report the location to the city via 311 (phone or app).”
Previous reporting
A woman who works near the intersection of Dearborn and Ontario was among the first on the scene after a large dog stepped on an electrified manhole cover and died Saturday afternoon.
“We were inside working and heard several yelps. By the time we were notified a dog was deceased outside, it was too late to start CPR otherwise we would have,” said Kristen A., who also posted about the incident on Nextdoor. “Several bystanders were kind enough to stay with the young gentleman who owned the dog who was inconsolable.”
“We covered the dog with a sheet until the police arrived. The rest of the family arrived and were even more inconsolable, understandably,” Kristen explained. She said the police helped the family place the dog in their car.
Shortly after the dog was killed, the fire department responded to a report of a city street light pole on fire across the street from where the incident occurred, but it is unclear if the incidents were related.
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