Boston utility blamed for dog electrocution

One-year-old boxer stepped on muddy, electrified sidewalk

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updated 2:32 p.m. ET March 7, 2005

BOSTON - The Massachusetts utility, N-Star, is being blamed for the electrocution of a dog in Boston.

Thirteen-year-old Kyle Devito was walking his one-year-old boxer, named Cassius, yesterday morning when the dog suddenly went into convulsions and died. Investigators later determined that the dog had stepped on a muddy section of the sidewalk where a light pole had once stood. The pole was removed years ago, but an N-Star spokesman says the underground wires were still electrified.

The Boston Inspectional Services Department has issued a citation against the company, saying it should have shut off the power when the pole was removed.

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Cassius was a Christmas present to Kyle and his ten-year-old brother.