$740,000 sought for electrocuted dog

BOSTON, March 8 (UPI) -- The owners of a dog killed by "stray voltage" are demanding $740,000 from the Boston electric utility they say is responsible for their pet's death.

Paul and Dee Dee DeVito, of Allston, Mass., told a Monday news conference they came up with the $740,000 figure because that is the annual salary of NStar Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. May, the Boston Globe reported.

The family turned down a $200,000 offer from the utility, saying want NStar to pay attention the problem of "stray voltage."

The DeVito's dog died March 1 while being walked by one of the DeVito's sons. It was the third dog in the Boston area to be electrocuted by "stray voltage," which happens when a metal object such as a manhole cover is touched.

Salt-laden slush plays a part in the conductivity, the Globe said. People in rubber-soled shoes are generally insulated against the shocks. NStar said the shock that killed the DeVito's dog was caused by a cable failure in a power line.

Whatever amount the DeVito family receives, they told the Globe they would set aside $200,000 for savings and enough to send their two sons to college before giving the rest to anti-animal cruelty groups.