Melting Snow Poses Shock Risks for Dogs on Philly Sidewalks

Stray voltage incidents leave pet owners scrambling for solutions

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As the icy snow covering sidewalks and roads in Philadelphia melts, dog owners are being warned to watch out for potential electrical shocks to their pets. Several incidents have been reported in recent weeks where dogs have been injured after stepping on energized surfaces, a phenomenon known as "stray" or "contact" voltage. Experts say the problem often arises when underground wires are damaged, allowing electricity to escape to the surface and energize things like manhole covers, light poles, and even concrete. With the snow and ice melting, the wet conditions can make these surfaces even more conductive, putting dogs at risk of painful shocks.

Why it matters

Contact voltage incidents can be a serious hazard for dogs and their owners, potentially leading to injury, costly vet bills, and distress for pet owners. While people are usually insulated from the risk by their rubber-soled shoes, dogs' paws can complete the circuit and expose them to the stray electricity. This issue highlights the need for better monitoring and maintenance of underground electrical infrastructure to prevent these types of dangerous situations, especially in urban areas where dogs are frequently walked.

The details

In recent incidents in Philadelphia, dogs named Laszlo and Vinny both experienced sudden, violent shocks after stepping on energized surfaces. The owners rushed the dogs to the vet, with one case requiring the owner to stay up all night monitoring the dog for potential complications. Other reports have emerged of multiple dogs being shocked at the same street corner in Center City over the course of a week. Experts say the problem often arises when underground wires are nicked during construction or other digging, allowing electricity to escape to the surface. The wet, salty conditions created by melting snow and ice can make these surfaces even more conductive, heightening the risk.

  • In mid-January 2026, Laszlo the Samoyed mix was shocked while out walking in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood.
  • Also in January 2026, Vinny the Italian Greyhound was shocked less than 24 hours after Laszlo's incident in Center City.
  • Over a one-week period in January 2026, multiple dogs were reported shocked at the same street corner in Center City as PECO workers were investigating.

The players

Laszlo

A 4-year-old Samoyed mix dog who was shocked while out walking with his owners in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood.

Vinny

An Italian Greyhound who was shocked less than 24 hours after Laszlo's incident in Philadelphia's Center City.

PECO

The utility company that serves the Philadelphia region and responded to investigate the reported incidents of stray voltage affecting dogs.

Jodie Lane

A graduate student who was killed by contact voltage in 2004 while walking her dogs in New York City, leading to increased awareness and regulation around the issue.

Doug Dorr

An executive at EPRI, a nonprofit organization that works with utilities and governments to improve how people use, manage, and think about electricity.

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What they’re saying

“We immediately started going into like a triage situation we're like grabbing his body, trying to figure out like did he get stuck with anything? Is he bleeding?”

— Karl Wagner, Dog owner (Reddit)

“His paw was hooked in on itself, stuck, shaking. Like, I mean, every single nerve is firing. And when I touched it, I felt it and I was like, oh, that's electricity.”

— Karl Wagner, Dog owner (Reddit)

“It was definitely the most sort of severe yelping I've ever heard from him. It was pretty distressing, although very short-lived.”

— Gabe Dell, Dog owner (whyy.org)

“While underground power is the best way to go, when people dig into the ground there are risks.”

— Doug Dorr, Executive, EPRI (whyy.org)

“Water becomes conductive when you add ions, and salts are great ionizers.”

— Doug Dorr, Executive, EPRI (whyy.org)

What’s next

PECO has confirmed it is investigating the reported incidents and working to address any issues with the electrical infrastructure. Dog owners are advised to be vigilant about potential shock hazards as the snow and ice continue to melt, and to report any suspected stray voltage incidents to the utility company immediately.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the need for better monitoring and maintenance of underground electrical systems, especially in urban areas with high pedestrian and pet traffic. While contact voltage incidents may be rare, they can pose a serious risk to dogs and their owners. Increased awareness, reporting, and proactive infrastructure upgrades are crucial to preventing these types of dangerous shocks in the future.