Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn held a Working Session last week as his City, Neighborhood Services, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee examined the issues related to recent stray voltage incidents affecting dogs in the City of Boston. These incidents include the tragic death of a dog on Southampton Street in February, a dog shocked at Castle Island in South Boston in March, and two dogs shocked at a manhole near the Adams Street Bridge in Dorchester this past Christmas.
Flynn’s committee met with officials from Eversource Energy, Commissioner Christopher of Inspectional Services, Chief of Streets Chris Osgood, officials from the Public Works Department, Director Kennedy of the Animal Control Commission, and Kara Holmquist from the MSPCA. This matter will stay in committee for now as they continue to work on this issue to help reduce the likelihood of events like this from occurring in the future.
Flynn said,” In the final analysis, my committee held this Working Session as dogs and pets are members of our family too. It was very important to me to bring experts and stakeholders to the table and discuss the issues related to stray voltage in the city more in depth. I am encouraged by the dialogue that transpired in terms of short-term and long-term steps we will be looking at related to our infrastructure, tracking these incidents, communication between the City of Boston and Eversource, and educating the public.”
If residents become aware of similar incidents like this, please contact both 311 and Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.Gov.
