February 8, 2023
Streetlights are Shocking Dogs in Milwaukee
After his dog's electrocution, a man is testing light poles around the city
In Milwaukee, the local ABC affiliate, WISN recently aired an I-Team investigation into dangerous streetlight poles that have reportedly shocked at least two dogs, killing one.
Area resident, Erich Gross, is described as being on a mission to help detect and report hazardous streetlights after he lost his own dog to electrocution in November 2022. Gross explains that while he was raking leaves in his yard, the wet metal leash of his dog, Ted, touched the streetlight pole leading to the death of the black poodle.
Using what appears to be a Southwire 40150N IP67, dual range, non-contact AC voltage detector with a convenient built-in flashlight, Gross has tested numerous poles throughout his section of Milwaukee and has determined that the dangerous and shocking situation near his yard occurs in other parts of the city, too.
WISN reporter Hillary Mintz obtained statements from Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works that described the situation as a “malfunction.” She went on to interview an engineering professor at local Marquette University who speculated some root causes of what could cause poles to be electrified.
Mintz interviewed City Alderman, Michael Murphy, who explained that Milwaukee will soon be using approximately $20 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – which is earmarked for new infrastructure – to invest in new street lighting systems in the city.
