The meter reader who was killed when two dogs set upon him at a property in Queensland was an animal lover who was days away from celebrating the anniversary of his engagement.
Kane Minion, 42, was mauled to death just after 10.45am on Saturday after a routine meter check went horribly wrong.
A Bandog Bullmastiff and a Rhodesian ridgeback cross attacked the Energex worker in the front yard of the home on Ison Road at Greenbank — a rural suburb about 40km south of Brisbane.
He was found unconscious in the front yard of the property with critical injuries. He died at the scene despite efforts to save him.
Mr Minion had spent seven years working for Downer’s Skilltech and was working as a contractor for Energex when he was killed.
Police found three dogs at the address, two of which were impounded by Logan City Council. A sign on the fence read: “Warning – Guard dogs on duty Do not enter!”
It is believed meter readers had visited the property on multiple occasions but the dogs were previously kept behind a second fence.
Mr Minion’s Facebook profile shows him cuddling a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It also reveals he became engaged on December 24 last year to his long-term partner.
Friends have posted tributes on Facebook, including one who wrote: “RIP KANE MINION. Hard to believe, rest in peace brother.”
Another lamented that his death came so close to Christmas.
The tributes come as pictures emerged of council officers seizing the dogs from the Greenbank property.
Footage captured by Nine News showed the animals being led into the back of a van.
The dogs will stay in a council pound as officers undergo an investigation into the incident.
Acting Inspector Gary Worrell told reporters at the scene the man was from the suburb of Marsden.
WorkSafe has been notified, while police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The Electrical Trades Union has released a statement saying it will work with the company to ensure workers are safe on the job.
“It’s a tragedy,” ETU assistant secretary and supply industry co-ordinator Stuart Traill said.
“Coming home after a day’s work should be a guarantee.
“We will be working with Energex and its subcontractors to understand how this happened and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
A Downer Group spokesperson confirmed Mr Minion worked in the company’s Skilltech business.
“Details of the incident are still being examined, and a police investigation is underway,” they said.
“Downer is extremely saddened by this tragic loss. Kane has worked with Downer’s Skilltech’s metering business for more than seven years, and was a popular member of the team,” they said.
“Downer extends our deepest sympathies to Kane’s family, and we will support them through this incredibly difficult time.”
Police said Work Safe Australia had been notified, as the man was conducting work in the Greenbank area at the time.
On Sunday, Queensland Police said investigations remained ongoing, while they were preparing a report for coroner.
Logan City Council was unable to be reached for comment.
Greenbank is a rural suburb about 40km south of Brisbane with a population of less than 10,000.
Ison Road contains multiple residential properties on large parcels of land.
— with NCA NewsWire