ComEd Alerted Elmhurst Family Before Dog Attack: Company

ELMHURST, IL – ComEd alerted an Elmhurst family before it began trimming trees on their property last week, a company spokesman said Tuesday.

This became an issue after the family's pit bull was reported as attacking one of the subcontractors working for ComEd. The family said it received no notice about the tree trimming.

In an interview, ComEd spokesman John Schoen said the utility alerted the family to the timing of the project in a mailed postcard.

He said the company's practice is to alert residents when such projects take place on their properties. Exceptions are made when emergencies occur, he said.

When employees or subcontractors see a dog in the yard, Schoen said, they are advised to not enter the property and work with the homeowner on the issue.

"Obviously, we want to be cautious for our employees, contractors and customers," Schoen said.

The attack occurred last Wednesday in the 200 block of Geneva Avenue, police said. The homeowner was cited on a charge of not being updated with the dog's rabies vaccination.

Police said the dog bit the worker on the leg, leaving a puncture wound.

This week, Patch reported on the family's response to the situation.

Mail delivery has been an issue in Elmhurst in the last few weeks.

The family has declined to comment further on the incident.