Sadly, another dog has died recently in NYC as a result of stray voltage.  Sebastian, a 7-year old Siberian Husky, was electrocuted over the Memorial Day weekend in Queens.  Last June, Mushy, a 5-year old Bull Mastiff died as a result of stray voltage in Harlem.  The issue of stray voltage was elevated in 2004 after the death of a 30 yr old woman, but 4 years later it’s still a frightening problem.

According to what I’ve read, the problem usually occurs when frayed underground wires come in direct contact with a metal plate or manhole cover, but sometimes wet concrete itself becomes electrified.  Dogs fall victim to stray voltage more often because they don’t have shoes to insulate against the electricity.  I normally try to keep Oscar away from walking on metal surfaces, but it sounds like that’s not enough to keep him safe.  Very scary stuff…