Inquest into Fatal Dog Mauling of Meter Reader Highlights Safety Concerns

An inquest is underway into the tragic death of Kane Minion, a 42-year-old meter reader for Energy Queensland, who was fatally attacked by two dogs on a remote property near Greenbank, south of Brisbane, around Christmas 2022. The proceedings aim to provide answers and closure for Minion's grieving family and to explore potential changes in safety protocols for frontline workers.

Key Takeaways

• Two aggressive guard dogs, a bull mastiff and a ridgeback, were involved in the fatal attack.
• The dogs had previously menaced another worker days before the fatal incident.
• The property owners, Dean and Paula Morrow, were warned about the need to secure the dogs.
• A "Guard Dogs On Duty Do Not Enter" sign was present at the property.
• The inquest seeks to understand the circumstances leading to the attack and prevent future tragedies.

The Fatal Attack

Mason, who had been a meter reader for seven years and received dog safety training, was attacked at an equipment hire property owned by the Morrow family. The dogs were reportedly kept behind two security fences, and visitors were warned about their presence. Despite assurances that the dogs would be secured, they were not, leading to the fatal encounter.

Previous Incident

Days before Minion's death, a technician named Brian Harnett was also menaced by the same two dogs at the property. Harnett had been called to the property to replace a pump and was warned about the dogs' unfriendly nature. After entering the first security gate, the dogs rushed towards his vehicle, barking and mouthing the windows. Harnett was able to deter the dogs when the owners' teenage son arrived, who reportedly apologised for forgetting to secure them. Harnett did not report the incident to authorities, believing it was a genuine mistake that might cause problems for everyone involved.

Property Owners' Account

Dean Morrow, one of the property owners, described the dogs as "more like family pets" rather than aggressive guard dogs. He stated the warning sign was for public safety and to notify people of the dogs' presence, not to indicate aggression. He denied the animals were aggressive and downplayed the earlier incident with Harnett as "nothing major." The court heard that the Morrows had been advised via email about the meter reader's visit and the need to secure the dogs, but Dean Morrow stated he relied on his wife for visitor notifications, and their relationship had deteriorated.

Inquest Proceedings

Minion's fiancée, Toni Baird, and other loved ones attended the inquest seeking answers and hoping for meaningful change to protect frontline workers. The inquest is examining the events leading up to the attack, including the adequacy of safety warnings, the owners' actions, and the potential for improved protocols. A police officer reportedly had to draw his firearm on the dogs during the incident to gain control.

Seeking Change

Lawyers for Minion's family expressed hope that the inquest would lead to significant changes to ensure the safety of workers who encounter potentially dangerous animals on private properties. The proceedings continue as the community awaits findings that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Sources

• Guard dogs menaced worker before meter reader killed, 9News.com.au.
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• Guard dogs menaced worker before meter reader killed | The Canberra Times, The Canberra Times.
• Subscribe to The Courier Mail for exclusive stories, The Courier Mail.
• Subscribe to The Courier Mail for exclusive stories, The Courier Mail.