Page 1 of 1
PRESS RELEASE
RELEASE DATE: Immediately (May 18, 2006)
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Gene Baierschmidt

UTILITY WORKERS SPRAY-PAINTING DOGS? HUMANE SOCIETY INVESTIGATING

Over the past three months, the Humane Society of Utah has received complaints from property owners in both Centerville and Sandy indicating that workers marking fences for utility lines, television cables, and similar functions have sprayed paint through the fences into the faces of dogs inside the properties. One of the animals required veterinary assistance to remove the paint, and both were also treated for the irritation caused to the dogs’ eyes. When contacted by HSU Chief Investigator John Paul Fox, none of the companies reported to have been working in the Centerville area would admit that their employees had sprayed any animals. A supervisor of the employee involved in the Sandy incident, however, has acknowledged responsibility and the Humane Society has advised that, first, an employee training class should be established and also that policies should be implemented for notifying communities before spray-painting activities begin, and that both the pet owner and the company supervisor be notified if an animal is sprayed.

HSU Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt expressed concern over the problem, saying, "If any type of utility marking is going on in a neighborhood, it’s only common sense for pet owners to confine their animals indoors for the duration of the activity, provided that they have some foreknowledge that this will be taking place. At the same time, if dogs are legitimately inside their fenced yards, no worker has the right under any circumstances to spray paint directly at the animals. Even if they’re barking - which would be understandable, if strangers are coming into direct contact with the boundaries of the dogs’ territories - shooting them with a can of spray paint is not an acceptable response to the situation."

Pet owners are cautioned to keep pets indoors when municipal or commercial workers are in the area. The Humane Society is also encouraging any pet owners who have undergone experiences similar to those already reported to call 261-2919, ex. 210, with details.