Shocking walks: Dog owners report jolts from sidewalk utility covers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Utility grates embedded in Philadelphia city sidewalks are giving off electrical voltage, prompting concern among dog owners after reports of pets being shocked during routine walks.

For Lisa Arbitman of Logan Square, a walk with her dog Remington last month turned into a frightening experience.

"He just all of a sudden started yelping and crying and he dragged me all the way home," Arbitman said.

Arbitman said Remington reacted after stepping on a ground cover that was still carrying voltage.

The incident happened near Broad and Callowhill streets, close to police headquarters.

"He jumped in the air and he yelped and he never does that. He's pretty tough," said Arbitman.

Sidewalk utility covers are common throughout the city, and the network of underground connections beneath them often goes unnoticed.

Arbitman said she only became aware of the grates after her dog was shocked.

"It must have been one of the grates still having electricity. It's a fairly new building, the police building, so who knows?" she said. "It happened one other time. That was also on Broad Street."

While Remington was not seriously injured, Arbitman said the incident left him shaken.

"He was scared. It took me a while to get back out. For walks, he would only want to walk on grass surfaces," she said.

Action News has received multiple reports about similar incidents involving sidewalk grates. PECO confirmed it has also received reports, some involving its ground covers and others not.

The utility company said when a report is made, it sends a team to test for voltage and repair underground wires if necessary.

After a previous inquiry by Action News, PECO repaired underground wires at 23rd and Cherry streets.

The utility company has now been notified about the location at Broad and Callowhill streets.