A Detroit family has criticised DTE Energy after a downed power line allegedly killed their dog, with the animal’s owner claiming the live wire remained in her garden for about 36 hours.
Ingrid Pollock said a transformer exploded behind her garage during severe storms in south-east Michigan, electrifying a fence on her property. Her dog, Draco, then came into contact with it and died, she said.
Pollock said she and several relatives repeatedly contacted DTE to report the dangerous wire and ask for it to be removed, but received no assistance until her son encountered utility workers elsewhere in the area.
Family says live wire was left in garden
According to Pollock, her son saw DTE crews restoring electricity to a business on Joy Road and questioned why they were not dealing with the live wire at the family’s home.
She said the workers followed him back to the property, assessed the situation and contacted DTE, insisting they would not leave until the wire had been dealt with.
“The night of the storm, a transformer blew up behind my garage,” Pollock said. “It electrified my fence, which electrocuted my dog, so I contacted DTE to let them know it was a live wire in my yard and afraid.”
She added: “That wire was down in my yard for around 36 hours.”
Pollock said the workers ultimately removed the wire, but claimed the repair had not been logged as a DTE order before her son intervened.
DTE issues warning over downed wires
DTE said it was saddened to hear about Draco’s death but did not provide an interview about the family’s criticism.
The company urged residents to treat every fallen wire as live, regardless of how it appears, and to keep at least 25 feet away from the line and anything it may be touching.
DTE also advised residents to keep children and pets indoors and away from affected areas until utility crews had completed repairs.
