Homeowner’s dog electrocuted by powerline left unattended by tree contractors

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - A beloved family pet has died after being electrocuted, and the homeowner is accusing a tree crew of gross negligence in their dog’s death

A two-day safety standdown was ordered by Memphis Light, Gas and Water after a third tree-trimming incident this month ended in tragedy.

An East Memphis homeowner, who didn’t want to be identified, called actions by ABC Professional Tree Trimming crews gross negligence.

She said their actions took the life of her German shepherd Ace, who she said was electrocuted after encountering a live wire in the backyard.

“He would be a year old on Easter, and he is my little girl’s dog,” said the homeowner.

The homeowner says that just after 2 p.m. Tuesday, she let tree trimming crews in her backyard finish cutting down branches.

Shortly after, she left home. But her family didn’t know the trimmers left something behind.

“So my husband came home, let the dogs out, saw the gate was shut so he knew they were gone and had no idea that there was a live wire in the back of our yard. So he threw the ball and the dog just got all cut up in the wire,” she said.

The homeowner shared video that shows when the crews were working.

“They jumped, it smoked. They knew it popped, and according to them, they did report it to MLGW,” she said.

In a statement, Memphis Light, Gas and Water said in part, “We are aware of Tuesday’s unfortunate incident that resulted in the loss of a homeowner’s beloved pet after our contracted vendor, ABC Professional Tree Service, accidentally knocked down a live wire. MLGW ordered a safety stand-down with the ABC crews at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday … to reinforce existing safety rules and to ensure procedures are followed to prevent incidents of this nature in the future.”

It’s something this homeowner demands to be evaluated before another casualty occurs.

“My husband could’ve been killed; I could’ve been killed. I have requested that they do not come back on our property,” the homeowner said. “People need to be cautious when these third-party vendors are in your backyard and you don’t know them and you didn’t hire them, you don’t know their skill level and you need to watch them. I mean, this could happen to anybody.”

Memphis Light, Gas and Water said the contractor is conducting a full investigation into the matter. In the meantime, the utility company said it will continue using them.

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