A meter reader who was mauled to death by three dogs has been identified as a fiance and lover of canines – as it’s revealed the Queensland property he was visiting at the time of the attack had a sign on its fence warning visitors about the dangerous animals.
Kane Minion, 42, was set upon by three large mixed breed dogs – including a Bullmastiff and Rhodesian Ridgeback – while visiting a house on Ison Road in the Logan suburb of Greenbank at 10.45am on Saturday.
Mr Minion had spent seven years working for Downer’s Skilltech and was working as a contractor for Energex when he went to the property to read the energy meter.
A sign hung on the front gate of the property warned visitors about the dangerous animals living at the house.
‘WARNING: Guard dogs on duty do not enter,’ the sign read.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Mr Minion had a love for canines before he met his gruesome end and that he was due to marry the love of his life Toni Baird.
A meter reader who was mauled by two dogs has been identified as a fiance and lover of canines – as it’s revealed the Queensland property he was visiting at the time of the attack had a sign on its fence warning visitors about the dangerous animals
Mr Minion had been engaged for less than a year to his partner Ms Baird after proposing to her on December 24 – the couple were less than three weeks out from celebrating their one year anniversary since his proposal
A sign had been hung on the front gate of the property warning visitors about the dangerous animals living at the house
The 42-year-old had a photo of himself cuddling a Staffordshire Bull Terrier as his profile picture on Facebook.
He had been engaged for less than a year to his partner Ms Baird after proposing to her on December 24 – with the couple less than three weeks out from celebrating their one-year anniversary since his proposal.
One of Mr Manion’s friends took to Facebook on Sunday afternoon to pay tribute.
‘Hard to believe, rest in peace brother,’ he wrote.
Another lamented Mr Manion was ‘just trying to do his job’.
‘Feel so bad for his family, this close to Christmas,’ he wrote.
Mr Minion was found unconscious by emergency services and succumbed to his critical injuries at the scene.
Police found three dogs at the address, two of which have been impounded by the local council.
It’s understood the owners were not at home at the time.
A Bandog Bullmastiff and a Rhodesian Ridgeback cross are understood to be the breed of the two dogs seized by animal control officers from Logan City Council, The Courier-Mail reported.
The Electrical Trades Union slammed the attack saying contractors should not have to fear for their lives or worry about not coming home when out on a job.
‘It’s a tragedy,’ ETU assistant secretary and supply industry coordinator Stuart Traill said.
Police found three dogs at the address, two which have been impounded by the local council, while it is understood the owners were not at home at the time
The Courier-Mail reported on Sunday morning a Bandog Bullmastiff and a Rhodesian Ridgeback cross were seized by animal control officers from Logan City Council
‘Coming home after a day’s work should be a guarantee. We will be working with Energex and its sub-contractors to understand how this happened and ensure it doesn’t happen again.’
ETU state secretary Peter Ong said the death could have been avoided.
‘We will be part of the investigation into the accident from beginning to end and make sure processes are put in place to avoid another incident like this happening anywhere across the state,’ he said.
Queensland Police Acting Inspector Gary Worrell told reporters at the scene the man was from the suburb of Marsden.
‘It’s also a difficult time for the owners of the residence, who are attached to their dogs,’ Acting Inspector Worrell said.
Worksafe has been notified, while police will prepare a report for the coroner.
A Downer Group spokesperson, confirmed to the ABC 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.
Police speaking to neighbours after a man was killed by dogs
Police were called to Logan following reports a man had been set upon by three dogs
‘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.
‘Downer extends our deepest sympathies to Kane’s family, and we will report 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.
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.
Resident Kevin Cunnington described it as a tragedy.
‘It’s terrible, right before Christmas,’ he said. ‘Poor bloke doing his job and now he’s dead.’
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