Owner of electrocuted dog to file claim against Seattle | Pets

The owner of a dog electrocuted in the city's Queen Anne neighborhood could be moving toward a lawsuit.

Seattle City Light has apologized, blaming missing parts and a pinched wire in a street light.

But the dog's owner still isn't satisfied.
   
Lisa McKibbin is still grieving for her German short-haired pointer, Sammy, who was electrocuted as they walked between the light pole and a sidewalk panel. She's also staying steadfast on her search for answers to make sure nobody else is hurt.  

"It could have been a child that was killed. It was my Sammy instead. This should never have happened," McKibbin said.
 
McKibbin's attorney said he plans to file a claim against the city for damages. If the city doesn't pay, he said he could file a lawsuit.

"And I just want others to know that we have to keep our loved ones safe," said McKibbin.

While she seeks that information, Seattle City Light said it's going to inspect all metal streetlights. It is also training all crews on how to test for abnormal voltage when they conduct maintenance checks.

Mckibbin's attorney said he's collecting all of the reports and evidence needed to file a claim against the city.

On Thursday, crews worked on the street light where Sammy died.  

And Seattle City Light said it's going to inspect all metal streetlights next year.

Suzanne Hartman at Seattle City Light said an inspection plan and a budget has been in the works for several years.

Nothing will bring back Sammy, but McKibbin said she is comforted by the many e-mails and messages she's received from people here and across the country.

"Giving me all this wonderful support and their warm wishes to me and their condolences and it just means the world to me and I just want to thank everybody for that," McKibbin said.