Bend utility workers to start carrying dog repellent

Starting next week, Bend Utility Department field staff will carry Halt! dog repellent to keep staff and dogs safe in the unlikely event of an aggressive dog attack.

“On occasion, our staff access utility facilities on private property where there are dogs,” said Ken Vaughan, Safety and Risk Program Manager. “If there’s an aggressive dog that attacks a worker, we now have a safe, humane way to subdue the attacking dog and get our staff safely out of the area.”

The repellent can be used by staff when all of the following conditions are met:

A dog shows signs of aggression toward staff; The homeowner is unable or unwilling to control the dog; Staff is unable to remove themselves from the situation (i.e. get to their vehicle); No other alternative exists to safely address the situation.

The effects of the repellent wear off in 10 to 15 minutes. It will leave a yellow residue on the dog that can be washed off. The yellow residue helps identify the dog if a check for rabies is necessary, officials said.

The city tries to notify customers in advance when they need to access easements for facilities on private property. This helps customers plan ahead to have their dogs safely secured before staff arrive. In some cases, like emergencies, staff may not be able to notify customers in advance.

Halt! dog repellent is 0.35 percent oleoresin capsicum (extract of cayenne pepper) and 99.65 percent mineral oil. It has been used by the U.S. Postal Service since 1966. The American Kennel Club, the American Humane Association, the Popular Dogs Publishing Company and the Humane Society of the United States indicated no objection to the use of the dog repellent by the U.S. Postal Service.

For more information about Halt! dog repellent, visit: www.halt.com/halt.html .