Michigan Utility Toughens Dog Policy After Workers Bitten

A Michigan utility says a new policy requires people to restrain or contain all dogs before gas or electric meters will be read.

Consumers Energy announced Tuesday that the policy is designed to keep meter readers safe on the job following an increase in dog bites. The CMS Energy Corp. unit says bites have even come from dogs that have in the past exhibited no aggressive behavior.

The utility also says customers with dogs that have exhibited aggressive behavior and who have bitten or injured an employee will only have their meter read with a police escort.

Customers also may read their own meter and give the information to the utility.