Elmhurst Pit Bull Attack: Family Questions Utility

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst family has questioned whether subcontractors for ComEd were allowed on their property when one of them was bitten by their pit bull.

The incident happened last Wednesday in the 200 block of Geneva Avenue, police said.

Brett Rasmussen, 42, of Elmhurst, was cited on a charge of not being updated on the dog's rabies vaccination. Police said the dog bit the worker on the leg, leaving a puncture wound. Patch reported the incident last week.

On Patch's website, Rasmussen wrote that the police report should have stated the subcontractors never came to the door to ask permission or notify the family they would be working on the property.

He said the police report should have indicated the worker was at fault for trespassing, having entered the fenced-in backyard, where the dogs play.

"Had the worker followed protocol and notified us, the dogs would have been put away," Rasmussen said. "As unfortunate and avoidable as the event was, thankfully, the worker also was wearing two thick layers of pants and the bite lasted less than a second before the dog ran away. It did not break skin."

His wife, Megan Rasmussen, also weighed in on the Patch website.

"Three tree trimmers entered a private residence, gated backyard without notifying the owner," she said. "The family dog bit one worker in the leg, then retreated. The dog was late on getting a booster shot."

Both criticized Patch's story based on the police report. Megan labeled the coverage "classic Patch reporting," while Brett said the media outlet was sensationalizing the event for clicks.

Reached by email Tuesday, Megan said she and Brett were no longer commenting on the incident.

Both Rasmussens said in their posts that they were given no notice about the work. Under state law, ComEd must alert homeowners about work on trees on their properties. That is the case even if the work is in the utility's easements.

The required notice must include:

• Statement of vegetation management activities planned.
• Address of website and toll-free number for dispute resolution opportunities.
• Statement that the property owner may appeal the planned vegetation management.

ComEd commented on the situation later Tuesday.